Coding Conventions

More Coding Conventions

More coding conventions include:

• And: Interpret to mean “and” or “or” when it appears in a code title.
• Includes Notes: Appears immediately under a 3-character code title to further define, clarify, or give examples of the content of a code category.
• Inclusion Terms: List of terms included under certain codes to show conditions for which that code may be used. The inclusion terms aren't necessarily exhaustive.
• Excludes Notes: The ICD-10-CM has 2 kinds of excludes notes. Each kind of note has a different definition for use, but they each show that codes excluded from each other are independent of each other.
• Etiology/manifestation convention (code first, use additional code and in diseases classified elsewhere notes): Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention where the underlying condition be sequenced first, if applicable, followed by the manifestation. Wherever this combination exists, there's a use additional code note at the etiology code, and a code first note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes show the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.