Which of the following would be considered discrete data?

• A. Compliant query components
• B. Reasons for missed queries
• C. ICD-10-CM code
• D. Organization's mission

Answer: (C)

Discrete data are values that come from a finite and countable set, often represented as specific codes or categories. An ICD-10-CM code fits this, because it’s a single, defined label drawn from a fixed coding dictionary. For each patient encounter, there is a specific code—or set of codes—that falls into a limited, enumerated collection; there aren’t continuous or in-between values.

The other items describe information that’s typically qualitative, narrative, or descriptive rather than fixed codes from a finite set. Compliant query components, reasons for missed queries, and an organization’s mission don’t represent discrete coded values in the same standardized way, so they aren’t discrete data.