What are the guidelines for coding?

The Eight General Guidelines for Establishing a Coding System

  • Keep codes concise.
  • Keep codes stable.
  • Make codes that are unique.
  • Allow codes to be sortable.
  • Avoid confusing codes.
  • Keep codes uniform.
  • Allow for modification of codes.
  • Make codes meaningful.

What are the sections of the ICD-10-CM Official guidelines for Coding and Reporting?

Section II includes guidelines for selection of principal diagnosis for non-outpatient settings. Section III includes guidelines for reporting additional diagnoses in non-outpatient settings. Section IV is for outpatient coding and reporting.

What are the steps to proper ICD-10-CM coding?

A Five-Step Process

  1. Step 1: Search the Alphabetical Index for a diagnostic term.
  2. Step 2: Check the Tabular List.
  3. Step 3: Read the code’s instructions.
  4. Step 4: If it is an injury or trauma, add a seventh character.
  5. Step 5: If glaucoma, you may need to add a seventh character.

What is step 4 of the ICD-10-CM coding guidelines?

Step # 4: Assign the code. Assign the code you have determined to be correct. be used at their highest level of specificity. Assign 3rd character codes only if there are no four-character codes within coding category.

What are ICD-10-CM codes used for?

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.

Where are the coding guidelines located in the ICD-10-CM Coding Manual?

ICD-10-CM Coding Conventions Key coding conventions may be found in Volume I, Volume II or within both volumes.

How many times can the same diagnosis code be reported in ICD-10-CM?

Reporting Same Diagnosis Code More than Once Each unique ICD-10-CM diagnosis code may be reported only once for an encounter. This applies to bilateral conditions when there are no distinct codes identifying laterality or two different conditions classified to the same ICD-10-CM diagnosis code.

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 …

What are the ICD 10 cm coding guidelines?

ICD-10-CM Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines. April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020 . 1. Chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (A00-B99) g. Coronavirus Infections . 1) COVID-19 Infections (Infections due to SARS-CoV-2) a) Code only confirmed cases

How many digits are in ICD 9 cm?

ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes are composed of codes with 3, 4, or 5 digits. Codes with three digits are included in ICD-9-CM as the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of fourth and/or fifth digits, which provide greater detail.

How many characters are there in ICD 10?

ICD-10-CM 3-7 characters 3 characters before the decimal and up to 4 characters after the decimal 1st character is alpha (all letters except U are used)

When do you use the 7th character in ICD 10?

Must always be used in the 7th character position When 7th character applies, codes missing 7th character are invalid Initial encounter: As long as patient is receiving active treatment for the condition. Examples of active treatment are: surgical treatment, emergency department encounter, and evaluation and treatment by a new physician.