Basic Differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10

With the implementation of ICD 10 in 2015, we are now going to use these codes in future. Since, we were using ICD-9 CM codes for long time we always like to compare with ICD-10 codes. There are not many changes as long as the guidelines are considered. Yes, with the number of codes and use of alphanumeric codes, there is certainly a major difference between ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes. So, we will checkout the basic differences between these two versions of diagnosis codes. Checkout my previous post on coding ICD 10 for unilateral and bilateral diagnosis codes to learn more about new codes.

Read also: CPC preparing and Clearing Tips

Basic about ICD-9 CM diagnosis codes

If we put is short, they are only 3-5 digits codes. Only E or V alphabets used in ICD-9 alphanumeric codes. Only first digit was used for alphabet if required, otherwise all other digits from 2-5 are numeric. The decimal was used only after the third digit or character.
Examples: 486– Pneumonia
786.50– Chest Pain, Unspecified
V22.2– Pregnancy state Incidental

Basics about ICD-10 Diagnosis Codes

Basic Differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10

The new diagnosis codes will be 3-7 digits long. The 1st digit will be alpha, 2nd digit will be numeric and 3-7 digit will be either alpha or numeric. Here also, the decimal is used after 3 rd character.
Example: A78 – Q fever
A69.21 – Meningitis due to Lyme disease
S52.131A – Displaced fracture of neck of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture.

               

The first three character denotes the CATEGORY
Example M84 disorder of continuity of bone
4,5 and 6 character (if applicable) denotes the etiology, anatomic and severity.
An Extension character is used for 7th digit.
Example:
M84.311A: stress fracture, right shoulder; initial

Read also: Breast Tomosynthesis cpt codes 2015

New feature in ICD-10 CM

A Placeholder X character is used at few codes to allow future expansion. When the placeholder exists, the X must be used in order to consider the code as valid code. An example of this is at the poisoning, adverse effect and under dosing codes, categories T36-T50.
Example:

Basic Differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10
H40.11X1     Mild stage primary open-angle glaucoma

Applicable 7th character in ICD-10

 When there is an applicable seventh character, it should be always on the 7th digit. The applicable 7th character is always required for all codes within some category. If there is no character in before 7th digit then we can go ahead and use placeholder X to fill the gap and use applicable 7th character on 7th digit.
Example:Basic Differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10T79.0XXA    Initial encounter for a traumatic air embolism.

21 Thoughts to “Basic Differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10”

  1. […] the condition. This is one of the reason we have so many ICD 10 codes. Therefore, injuries in ICD 10 are very different compared to ICD 9. In ICD 10 the seventh character will give the information about the initial, subsequent or sequel […]

  2. […] codes have increased significantly in number in ICD 10. ICD 10, having lot of differences with the old ICD 9 codes, should be used very carefully. The only thing we have to do is to avoid few common mistakes with […]

  3. […] Read also: Difference between ICD9 and ICD10 codes […]

  4. […] ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes have lot of difference. In ICD 9 codes, we use to have mostly numerical codes, but ICD 10 codes are all alphanumeric […]

  5. […] been added and so it is important to know how to use two or more codes together. There is a lot of differences between ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes with some new modification. Exclusion part is also modified in ICD 10. Excludes were the part of […]

  6. […] 2018, the main game changer in CPC exam will be ICD 10 codes. In ICD 9 and ICD 10 differences, their will be a difference in you CPC final score as well. So, do prepare for ICD 10 codes […]

  7. […] sources and forums. As we are going to use ICD 10 codes from October 2015, we should know about the changes made from ICD 9 to ICD 10. I am just here to share my experience if you want to excel in the field of Medical […]

  8. […] guidelines in codebooks but we hardly refer them till it is very essential. There is the lot of difference between ICD9 and ICD10 codes. ICD 10 codes are very specific in all the chapters. I am just going to take few points which are […]

  9. […] other coders. I really like ICD 10 codes that are far better than ICD 9 codes. There has a lot of difference in ICD 10 and ICD 9 codes, but I still enjoy coding ICD 10 codes. I am still trying to be perfect in ICD 10 coding, because […]

  10. […] have now almost became familiar with the ICD 10 codes. We all are now familiar with the difference between the ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes. The new diagnosis codes are huge in numbers. The ICD 10 codes are more specific compared to ICD 9 […]

  11. […] you can see the difference between ICD 9 and ICD 10 code. These will the common diagnosis used for coding complications in AV […]

  12. […] carefully using radiology techniques. Having knowledge about anatomy and physiology helps in coding ICD 10 and CPT codes. If you are perfect in coding medical report, it will helps in preparing for […]

  13. […] codes. Still in some region ICD 9, codes are used by medical coders. As we know, there is a lot of difference between ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes. The most important thing I like about ICD 10 codes is their specificity. For example, for knee […]

  14. […] off. ICD 10 codes are very specific and large in numbers as compared to ICD 9. This is one of the main difference between ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes. Because of specificity and increase in number of ICD 10 codes, medical coders should be very […]

  15. […] already know that there is a big difference between ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes. Since the time I have started using ICD 10 codes, I have seen many challenges in diagnosis coding. […]

  16. […] replaced ICD 9 codes (V codes), we have to now follow only ICD 10 codes. Since, there is a lot of difference between ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes we have to be very careful with diagnosis coding. For example, th ICD 10 codes for injuries for […]

  17. […] it is very essential to get familiar with root operation of ICD -10-PCS. We know there is a lot of difference between ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes, same goes with ICD-10 Procedure coding system (PCS). These root operation are very […]

Leave a Reply