by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Oct 8th, 2014 - Reviewed/Updated Aug 9th
The examples below show the structural differences between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM/PCS.
ICD-9-CM Diagnoses Codes:
- 3–5 digits
- First digit is alpha (E or V) or numeric
- Digits 2–5 are numeric; and Decimal is after third digit
Examples:
496 – Chronic airway obstruction, Not Elsewhere Classified (NEC)
511.9 – Unspecified pleural effusion
V02.61 – Hepatitis B carrier
ICD-10-CM Diagnoses Codes:
- 3–7 digits
- Digit 1 is alpha
- Digit 2 is numeric
- Digits 3–7 are alpha or numeric (alpha digits are not case sensitive)
- Decimal is after third digit
Examples:
A78 – Q fever
A69.21 – Meningitis due to Lyme disease
S52.131a – Displaced fracture of neck of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture.
ICD-9-CM Procedure Codes:
- 3–4 digits
- All digits are numeric
- Decimal is after second digit
Examples:
43.5 – Partial gastrectomy with anastomosis to esophagus; and
44.42 – Suture of duodenal ulcer site.
ICD-10-PCS Procedure Codes:
- 7 digits
- Each digit is either alpha or numeric (alpha digits are not case sensitive and letters O and I are not used to avoid confusion with numbers 0 and 1
- No decimal
Examples:
0FB03ZX – Excision of liver, percutaneous approach, diagnostic; and
0DQ10ZZ – Repair upper esophagus, open approach.
References/Resources
About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.