Transition to ICD-10: 2017 coding guidelines clarify definition of ‘with,’ when to use bilateral codes

Why This Topic Matters

The 2017 guideline revisions affect how coders interpret documentation, apply chapter-specific reporting rules, and align claims with updated ICD-10-CM guidance. Understanding the scope of these changes helps reduce avoidable denials and supports more consistent diagnosis coding practices.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the 2017 ICD-10-CM guideline revisions

   Introduces the revised official guidelines and explains their role in the first ICD-10-CM update cycle. Summarizes the broad areas of guidance that were revised across the document.

2. General coding convention updates

   Covers revisions to core ICD-10-CM conventions and general guidance, including terminology and sequencing concepts. This section also notes updates affecting laterality and the reporting of certain clinical scales.

3. Chapter-specific coding changes

   Summarizes updates tied to selected diagnosis chapters, including guidance on injury, poisoning, infectious disease, endocrine, circulatory, and neurologic-related coding topics. The section highlights where the new or revised instructions apply within chapter-based reporting.