when should a coder assign placeholder “x” for a code in icd-10-cm?

by Ms. Kaitlyn Lockman 4 min read

If a coder has to include an extension for an initial encounter on a code that does not have six characters, they must add placeholder characters. Coders use an 'X' for the placeholder digit.

What is the purpose of the placeholder character X used in ICD-10-CM?

ICD-10-CM also uses a placeholder character "X" to allow for future expansion of certain codes. CMS guidelines state that diagnosis codes are to be used and reported at their highest number of characters available and that three-character codes should only be used if it is not further subdivided.

What is place holder X and why is it used?

ICD 10 CM utilizes a placeholder character "x". The "x" is used as a placeholder at certain codes to allow for future expansion. Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to underlying etiology.

What is the placeholder in ICD-10?

It is simple to understand the placeholder X is used to fill empty spaces in ICD 10 to complete the code. For example, in poisoning, adverse effect, underdosing (T36-T50) chapter, the sixth character 1 represent for accidental and 2 represent for intentional self-harm.

What does an X represent in ICD-10 coding?

Coding Instruction Section X codes are standalone codes. They are not supplemental codes. Section X codes fully represent the specific procedure described in the code title, and do not require any additional codes from other sections of ICD-10-PCS.

What is a placeholder in coding?

In computer programming, a placeholder is a character, word, or string of characters that temporarily takes the place of the final data. For example, a programmer may know that she needs a certain number of values or variables, but doesn't yet know what to input.

Which instruction directs the coder to a body part or a device in the ICD-10 PCS index?

coding conventionsTermDefinitionusedirects coder to a body part or device in icd-10-pcs indexwithlocated immediately below the main term, not in alphabetical order. appears in icd-10-cm index to diseases and injuries, physician must document both presence of conditions or procedures in patients record39 more rows

What does use additional code mean?

A “use additional code” note will normally be found at the infectious disease code, indicating a need for the organism code to be added as a secondary code. “Code first” notes are also under certain codes that are not specifically manifestation codes but may be due to an underlying cause.

How are ICD-10 codes organized?

ICD-10-CM is a seven-character, alphanumeric code. Each code begins with a letter, and that letter is followed by two numbers. The first three characters of ICD-10-CM are the “category.” The category describes the general type of the injury or disease. The category is followed by a decimal point and the subcategory.

What is G00 G99?

Diseases of the nervous system ICD-10-CM Code range G00-G99 The ICD-10 code range for Diseases of the nervous system G00-G99 is medical classification list by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Where should the coder look first when assigning codes?

To assign a diagnosis code, first look up the condition in the Index to Diseases and Injuries, then verify the code in the Tabular List.

What are the six steps to assigning ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes?

The correct procedure for assigning accurate diagnosis codes has six steps: (1) Review complete medical documentation; (2) abstract the medical conditions from the visit documentation; (3) identify the main term for each condition; (4) locate the main term in the Alphabetic Index; (5) verify the code in the Tabular ...

Which of the following is the correct order of steps to take in ICD-10-CM coding?

Which of the following is the correct order of steps to take in ICD-10-CM coding? Locate the main term in the alphabetic Index, verify the code in the Tabular List, read any instructions in the Tabular List, check for exclusion notes, and assign the code.

What is the 7th character in ICd 10?

The seventh character, "A", is an extension which, in this example, means "initial encounter". The 5th and 6th character sub-classification represent the most accurate level of specificity. All ICD-10 codes will begin with one of the following letters of the alphabet; the alpha characters are not case sensitive.

How many characters are in a code?

1. Codes are alphanumeric and may be up to 7 characters in length. 2. 1st character is always alpha; alpha characters may appear elsewhere in the code as well. (Alpha characters are NOT case sensitive.) 3. 2nd character is always numeric. 4. The remaining 5 digits may be any combination of alpha/numeric. 5.

What is the decimal after the third character?

All codes require a decimal after the third (3rd) character. 6. Laterality (side of the body affected) is required for certain codes. If a code requires laterality, it must be included in order for the code to be valid. The number 1 is used to indicate right side. The number 2 is used to indicate left side.

What is the ICd 10-CM code for a placeholder?

ICD-10-CM uses the placeholder character X in certain codes. You’ll see this in cases where a code requires a later character in a certain position, but the code does not have specific characters for one or more places before that character. By using a placeholder, the ICD-10-CM code set gives itself room to expand later.

When to use 7th character S?

Use 7 th character S, sequela, “for complications or conditions that arise as a direct result of a condition, such as scar formation after a burn.

What is multiple coding?

Multiple coding for a single condition. In addition to the etiology/manifestation convention that requires two codes to fully describe a single condition that affects multiple body systems, there are other single conditions that also require more than one code. Acute or Chronic Conditions.

Can you use the code and the excluded code together?

It is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate. The word "with" should be interpreted to mean "associated with" or "due to" when it appears in a code title, the Alphabetic Index, or and instructional not in the Tabular List.

What is the 10th revision of the ICD-10-PCS?

The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Classification System (ICD-10-PCS) was developed in the United States and is used to code and classify procedures from inpatient records only.

What is the fifth digit of a tumor?

The fifth digit, after the slash, is a behavior code, which indicates whether a tumor is malignant, benign, in situ, or uncertain whether malignant or benign. In addition, a separate one-digit code is assigned for histologic grading to indicate differentiation. Morphology codes.