Full Answer
A code listed next to a main term in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index is called a default code, which: • Represents the condition most commonly associated with the main term; or • Indicates that it is the unspecified code for the condition.
ICD-10-CM Structure –Format 3 - 7 Characters P09 S32.010A O9A.211 M1A.0111 •Codes longer than 3 characters always have decimal point after first 3 characters •1st character: alpha •2nd through 7th characters: alpha or numeric •7th character used in certain chapters (obstetrics, musculoskeletal, injuries, and external causes of injury) 9
The ICD-10-PCS Official Guidelines include a specific coding guideline that applies to the drainage root operation, as well as a guideline for using documentation to determine PCS definitions.
In ICD-10-PCS, review of the term “nephrostomy” in the Alphabetic Index identifies two possible root operations, bypass and drainage. However, after review of the documentation neither of these root operations matches the procedure performed.
instruction is located after a main term or subterm in the ICD-10-CM indexes and directs the coder to another main term (or subterm) that may provide additional useful index entries. The see also instruction does not have to be followed if the original main term (or subterm) provides the correct code.
Subterm is: modifier that affects the selection of an appropriate code for a given diagnosis. They describe essential differences in site, cause, or clinical type.
Main terms identify disease conditions or injuries. Subterms indicate site, type, or etiology for conditions or injuries. Words such as “with,” “in,” “due to,” and “associated with” are used to express the relationship between the main term or a subterm indicating an associated condition or etiology.
0:387:43I10-CM Main Terms & Subterms - MEDICAL CODING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you may be asking what is a noun a noun names something such as a person place or thing a mainMoreAnd you may be asking what is a noun a noun names something such as a person place or thing a main term is the noun that describes the patient's diagnosis.
Noun. subterm (plural subterms) (mathematics, law, computing) A subordinate term.
These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes: etiology followed by manifestation. In most cases the manifestation codes will have in the code title “in diseases classified elsewhere.” Codes with this title are a component of the etiology/ manifestation convention.
Etiology/Manifestation. Coding conventions require the condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a “code first” note with the manifestation code and a “use additional code” note with the etiology code in ICD-10.
ICD-10-CM/PCS uses boldface and italic font for ease in reference.
In simple meaning Excludes 1, note codes cannot be coded together with that ICD 10 code. Now, coming to Excludes 2 it is totally opposite to Excludes 1. The codes in Excludes 2 can be used together at same time.
The ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification) is a system used by physicians and other healthcare providers to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms and procedures recorded in conjunction with hospital care in the United States.
For ICD-9 your main term is the condition, disease or symptom. For CPT the main term could be the condition, name of procedure or medical service, name of anatomic site or organ, OR synonyms, eponyms or abbreviations.
If the main term or subterm is too long to fit on one line, as may be the case when many nonessential modifiers appear, turnover or carryover lines are used. Turnover lines are always indented farther to the right than are subterms. It is important to read carefully to distinguish a turnover line from a subterm line.
Biopsy followed by more definitive treatment: B3.4. If a diagnostic Excision, Extraction, or Drainage procedure (biopsy) is followed by a more definitive procedure, such as Destruction, Excision, or Resection, at the same procedure site, both the biopsy and the more definitive treatment are coded.
In ICD-9-CM, indexing lithotripsy directs the coder to 51.49, Incision of other bile ducts for relief of obstruction. This code does not identify the use of the scope to accomplish the procedure. Indexing ERCP directs the coder to 51.10, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
It is important to note that fragmentation cannot be coded with extirpation. For additional information, review the procedure coding for an ESWL of the bilateral ureters. This procedure requires two codes, 0TF7XZZ and 0TF6XZZ, as there is not a bilateral body part value for the ureter.
The Tabular List is presented in code number order. Since all ICD-10-CM codes start with a letter, all code categories are in alphabetical order according to the first characters. The chart below provides the Tabular List chapters.
The conventions for ICD-10-CM are the general rules for using the classification independent of the guidelines. These conventions are incorporated within the Alphabetic Index and Tabular List of ICD-10-CM as instructional notes. Below are general descriptions of these coding conventions.
The 7th character in ICD-10-CM is used in several chapters (such as Obstetrics, Injury, Musculoskeletal , and External Cause chapters). It is required for all codes within the chapter or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. When the character applies, codes missing the 7th character are invalid. The chart below provides information about 7th character encounter coding.
“code also” note tells you that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but the sequencing of the two codes is discretionary depending on the severity of the conditions and reason for the encounter.
ICD-10-CM has two types of Excludes Notes. Each note has a different definition for use; however, they are similar in that they both indicate that codes excluded from each other are independent of each other.
ICD-10-CM uses a character “x” as a placeholder in certain codes to allow for future expansion and fill in other empty characters when a code that is less than 6 characters in length requires a 7th character. If a placeholder exists, the “x” must be used for the code to be considered a valid code.
NEC (Not Elsewhere Classifiable) - This abbreviation represents “other specified.” When a specific code is not available for a condition, the Alphabetic Index directs you to the “other specified’”code in the Tabular List. When a specific code is not available for a condition, the Tabular List includes an NEC entry under a code to identify the code as the “other specified” code.
B3.12. Occlusion vs. Restriction for vessel embolization procedures If the objective of an embolization procedure is to completely close a vessel, the root operation Occlusion is coded. If the objective of an embolization procedure is to narrow the lumen of a vessel, the root operation Restriction is coded.
The ICD-10-PCS definition for the root operation Restriction is “Partially closing an orifice or the lumen of a tubular body part.” For Restriction, the orifice can be a natural orifice or an artificially created orifice. Restriction includes either intraluminal or extraluminal methods for narrowing the diameter (for example, stents or bands).
A cervical cerclage procedure is done for an incompetent cervix. The cerclage is used to prevent early changes in a woman’s cervix, thus preventing premature labor.
Occlusion is defined in the ICD-10-PCS Reference Manual as “Completely closing an orifice or the lumen of a tubular body part.” Just like in Restriction, the orifice can be a natural orifice or an artificially created orifice for Occlusion procedures.
A fallopian tube ligation involves severing and sealing the tubes to prevent pregnancy. There are several different ways to accomplish this result, such as with sutures, clips, or rings. If the procedure is performed with electrocoagulation or cauterization, it is coded to Destruction, not Occlusion.
The definition for the root operation Dilation in the ICD-10-PCS Reference Manual is “Expanding an orifice or the lumen of a tubular body part.” Dilation includes both intraluminal and extraluminal methods of enlarging the diameter. The explanation of Dilation states the orifice can be a natural orifice or an artificially created orifice.
The root operation Dilation is coded when the objective of the procedure is to enlarge the diameter of a tubular body part or orifice. During this procedure a mechanical device was inserted into the mouth and larynx in order to dilate the stenosis.
There are 53 instances of “with” subterm conditions listed under the main term Diabetes.
The word “with” should be interpreted to mean “associated with” or “due to” when it appears in a code title, the Alphabetic Index, or an instructional note in the Tabular List. The word “with” in the Alphabetic Index is sequenced immediately following the main term, not in alphabetical order.
An important thing to remember is that if the physician documentation specifies that diabetes mellitus is not the underlying cause of the other condition, then the condition should not be coded as a diabetic complication. With this in mind, the entire record needs to be reviewed.