ICD9-CM Reference Software

HierCode

ICD9-CM

The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD9-CM) is published annually by the United States Federal Government and serves as a key reference within the health care and related professions. It provides numeric codes for describing the "clinical picture" of any patient. The codes facilitate matters such as reimbursement for health services, evaluation of utilization patterns and epidemiologic research.

Within ICD9-CM, three volumes are identified: (1) Tabular List of Diseases, (2) Alphabetic Index to Diseases and (3) Tabular List and Alphabetic Index to Procedures. The Tabular List of Diseases and the Alphabetic Index to Diseases are used by physicians and hospitals to report patients' conditions. These volumes are considered below. The Tabular List and Alphabetic Index to Procedures is used almost exclusively by hospital medical records departments to describe procedures performed on patients. This volume shall not be considered further.

The Tabular List of Diseases is the definitive resource for diagnostic coding in the United States. It provides a comprehensive classification scheme, wherein diseases are organized into various categories and subcategories and wherein they are accompanied by unique numeric or alphanumeric codes. Furthermore it provides, throughout the classification scheme, instructions for properly matching diseases and codes to clinical circumstances.

The Alphabetic Index to Diseases is designed to be used in conjunction with the Tabular List. Specifically, it is designed to be consulted first, before the Tabular List, and to provide an appropriate cross-reference. It is comprised of medical terms and, beside them, numeric codes. The medical terms are listed in alphabetic order, and they relate to symptoms, diseases, conditions, etc. The numeric codes point to specific items within the Tabular List.

For anyone looking to determine a diagnostic code for a patient, ICD9-CM offers the following guidance. First, bring to mind a medical term relating to the condition of the patient. Second, look up the term in the Alphabetic Index. Third, make a cross-reference. That is, move from the term in the Alphabetic Index to a corresponding condition in the Tabular List. Fourth, after reading any instructions that accompany the condition, select an appropriate diagnostic code.