Question

What do ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes look like?

A) 5 alphanumeric characters
B) 3 to 7 alphanumeric digits
C) 5, 6, or 7 digits
D) 6 digits

Answer 1

Option (B), ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are 3 to 7 alphanumeric characters used widely in healthcare for diagnostics, billing, and epidemiology.

Step-by-step explanation:

ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes consist of 3 to 7 alphanumeric characters. The format includes an initial letter, followed by two digits, and then one to four additional alphanumeric characters. These codes are essential for a multitude of purposes within the healthcare industry, such as ordering laboratory tests, prescribing treatments, processing medical claims, keeping vital records, and conducting epidemiological studies.

Two common locations where you might find an ICD code include medical laboratories, where ICD codes identify necessary laboratory tests, and on death certificates, where cause of death is recorded. Medical coders also use these codes to assign appropriate codes for procedures performed, and subsequently, medical billers use this information for insurance claim processing.