Module 3: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding
The structure of a diagnosis code, the two-step lookup the guidelines require, and the conventions that decide which codes may be reported together.
What You'll Learn
- The character structure of an ICD-10-CM code and what each position carries
- The placeholder X and the 7th character extensions for injuries
- Why the Alphabetic Index must always be confirmed in the Tabular List
- Excludes1 versus Excludes2, sequencing, and the signs-and-symptoms rule
Real-World Scenario
You submit S52.5 for a healing wrist fracture and the claim is rejected as an invalid code. Your reading of the chart was right; the code was a category header missing the characters that say which wrist, what kind of fracture, and which encounter this is. Learning the structure is what prevents that rejection.
Lessons
Complete each lesson in order. Watch the video, review the notes, and finish the challenge.
How ICD-10-CM Codes Are Built
Learn the structure of a diagnosis code, what each character position carries, and why specificity determines whether a claim is paid.
Using the Index, the Tabular List, and the Guidelines
Learn the required two-step lookup process, and the conventions that determine which codes may be reported together and in what order.