Final answer:
The ICD-10-CM uses a third qualifier format in its alphanumeric codes to provide additional detail to a disease diagnosis. ICD codes are found in medical records for diagnosis and treatment, and in insurance claims for billing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) uses a standardized code system to classify diseases and is widely used in healthcare to facilitate the diagnostic process, treatment, and billing procedures. In reference to the student's question, the ICD-10-CM (Clinical Modification) index to diseases and injuries uses alphanumeric codes where entries may include a third qualifier format, which provides additional specificity to the condition being described. For example, for certain diseases, this may be represented by a combination of letters and numbers that describes the etiology, anatomic site, and severity.
In practice, you would typically find an ICD code in locations such as:
- Medical records and physician orders, where clinicians use them to document diagnosis and plan treatment.
- Claims for reimbursement, where medical billers use the codes to process insurance claims.