Final answer:
The 'Not Otherwise Specified' or NOS coding convention is used in ICD-10-CM when detailed information is available, but no specific code exists. It serves as an unspecified code for conditions that cannot be assigned more precise codes, which is crucial for medical coders and others in the health-care industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the information in the medical record provides detail but there is no specific ICD-10-CM code that exists, the coding convention used is 'Not Otherwise Specified' or NOS. According to the ICD-10-CM guidelines, section I.A.6.D, NOS is the equivalent of 'unspecified' and should be used when the medical record is insufficient to assign a more specific code. This concept is important to understand for those in health-related professions including medical coders, medical billers, and others who use ICD codes in their work. The use of NOS codes indicates that while some information about the disease or condition is available, it's not enough to assign a precise code, so a more general code must be used.
For instance, when medical coders deal with a situation where the documented condition doesn't have a specific available code, they utilize the NOS code. This allows health-care management systems to process treatments and laboratory work and for medical billers to process claims for reimbursement by insurance companies, even when the exact condition is not specified.