Steps for icd-10-cm

Step 2

Follow any instructions in the Index

When you're in the Alphabetic Index you may see “see also ____,” “see category ___,” or “use additional code.”

What to do:

If it says “see also,” check that other word too to make sure you get the most specific option.

If it says “use additional code,” that means you’ll probably need a second code for cause, organism, exposure, etc.

This is how you avoid missing required secondary codes.

Example A:

May say “See also Bronchiolitis” → You check, but it doesn’t match, so stay with Bronchitis.

Example B:

Might say “Use additional code for long-term (current) insulin use (Z79.4).”

So you note that you’ll need a second code for insulin use.#medical #icd10cm #learning