Characters
This is always a letter.
What is the first character of any ICD-10-CM code?
In the Alphabetic Index, this instruction indicates that another term should be referenced. It is necessary to go to the referenced term in order to locate the correct code.
What is "See"?
This abbreviation is the equivalent of unspecified.
What is NOS (not otherwise specified)?
This prefix means: no, not, without or lack of.
What is 'a-' or 'an-'?
This many (a range) characters comprise all ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
What is 3-7?
This 7th character indicates an Initial Encounter.
What is the letter A?
In the Alphabetic Index, this instruction indicates that there is another term that may also be referenced that may provide additional Alphabetic Index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the referenced term when the original main term provides the necessary code.
What is "See Also"?
This abbreviation indicates “other specified” and is used when a specific code is not available for a condition
What is NEC (not elsewhere classified)?
The meaning of the prefix: acu-.
What is sharp?
Term that refers to a side of the body.
What is Laterality?
A designated placeholder or "dummy" character for ICD-10-CM.
What is the letter X?
Two codes may be required to fully describe the condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction
What is "Code Also"?
In the Tabular List, used to show synonyms, alternative wording or explanatory phrases. In the Alphabetic Index, used to identify manifestation codes.
What are Brackets [ ]?
The meaning of the prefix: algia-.
What is pain?
This means NOT CODED HERE.
What is Excludes 1?
This 7th character indicates a Sequela.
What is the letter S?
This note indicates that if an underlying condition is present, the underlying condition should be sequenced first.
What is "Code First"?
In both the Alphabetic Index and the Tabular list, used to show supplementary words or explanatory information that do not affect the code assignment to the condition.
What are Parentheses ( ) ?
The meaning of the root: andr/o.
What is male?
A term used to describe words that are enclosed in Parentheses ( ).
What are Non-Essential Modifiers?
This 7th character indicates a Subsequent Encounter.
What is the letter D?
This note indicates that this code may be assigned as a principal diagnosis when the causal condition is unknown or not applicable. If a causal condition is known, then the code for that condition should be sequenced as the principal or first-listed diagnosis.
What is “Code, if applicable, any causal condition first”?
Only in the Tabular List, used after an incomplete term which needs one or more of the modifiers following it to be able to assign a code.
What is a Colon :?
The meaning of the suffix: -ase.
What is enzyme?
This is the only letter that is not, currently, used in ICD-10-CM; it is reserved for new diseases of uncertain etiology.
What is the letter "U"?