Icd10Cm Conventions

Front 1

NEC

Back 1

not elsewhere classified; used in the alphabetic index to indicate that there is no separate code for the condition even though the diagnostic statement is specific

Front 2

NOS

Back 2

Not otherwise specified; equivalent to the term "unspecified"

Front 3

Excludes 1

Back 3

Means "NOT CODED HERE" conditions cannot occur together

Front 4

Excludes 2

Back 4

Means "NOT INCLUDED HERE" instructs that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code

Front 5

Code first and Use additional code

Back 5

Instructional notes indicate the proper sequence in order of these conditions - etiology (underlying condition) followed by manifestation.

Front 6

In diseases classified elsewhere

Back 6

Codes with this phrase are never used as a first listed or principal diagnosis code

Front 7

Such as

Back 7

Meaning that any of the listed codes or any other appropriate code can be assigned first

Front 8

Code also

Back 8

Indicate that 2 codes may be required to fully describe a condition. This does not provide sequencing Direction the sequencing order will depend on the reason for the encounter and the severity of the condition.

Front 9

See

Back 9

Cross reference indicates that the coder must refer to an alternative item. This instruction is mandatory coding cannot be completed without following this advice

Front 10

See also

Back 10

Cross reference advises the coder that there is another place in the alphabetic index to which the coder must refer when the entries under consideration do not provide a code for the specific condition or procedure. And is not necessary to follow this cross reference when the original entry is provide all the information necessary

Front 11

See category

Back 11

The see category variation of the see cross reference provides the coder with a category number period the coder must refer to that number and the tabular list and select a code from the options provided there.

Front 12

See condition

Back 12

Occasionally the index advises the coder to refer to the main term of the condition

Front 13

Parentheses

Back 13

Used to enclose supplementary words or explanatory information that may be either present or absent in the statement of diagnosis without affecting the code to which it is assigned

Front 14

Square brackets

Back 14

Used to enclose synonyms, alternative wordings , abbreviations and explanatory phrases that provide additional information. They are similar to parentheses in that they are not required for the statement of diagnosis. Square brackets are also used to indicate that the number in the bracket can only be a manifestation and the other number must be assigned first for the underlined code. The code and the brackets in this situation indicates that both conditions must be used and the code in the brackets can never be assigned as the principal diagnosis.

Front 15

Colons

Back 15

Used in the tabular list involve inclusion and exclusion notes after an incomplete term that needs one or more of the modifiers following the colon and order for the term to apply

Front 16

And

Back 16

Should be interpreted to mean either "and" or "or" when it appears in a code title.

Front 17

With

Back 17

Should be interpreted to mean "associated with" or "due to" when it appears in a code title. In the alphabetic index is sequence immediately following the main term not in alphabetical order.

Front 18

Due to

Back 18

An either of the alphabetic index are tabular list indicate that a casual relationship between two conditions as present. The coder should be guided by the index entry.