ICD-10-CM Acute (Subacute) and Chronic Conditions (April 2016)

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate interpretation of condition descriptors in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index is important for consistent diagnosis coding and documentation review. This article helps readers understand the general framework used when index entries include acute, subacute, and chronic terms.

Article Sections

1. April 2016 page 7

   Introduces the topic and places it in the April 2016 coding guidance context.

2. ICD-10-CM Acute (Subacute) and Chronic Conditions

   Explains the terminology used in ICD-10-CM diagnosis code selection and outlines how acute, subacute, and chronic descriptors are discussed in the Alphabetic Index.

3. Terminology Related to Diagnosis Code Selection

   Provides a reference table of general terms used when interpreting diagnosis coding language and index terminology.

4. Example 1

   Presents an example involving index entries with acute and chronic descriptors and shows how the example is discussed in the article.

5. Example 2

   Presents a second index-based example showing how nonessential modifiers and subterm structure are addressed in the article.

6. Question and Answer

   Includes a review question about coding conditions described with acute or subacute and chronic terminology.

7. Coding Tip

   Summarizes a brief general note about how the article treats situations where index subentries are absent.