ICD-10 Guide

Only in a government publication can you find the following:
 

"The word "and" should be interpreted to mean
              either "and" or "or" when it appears in a title."

And in case that was not clear enough, we are given an actual example of how to use the word "and" as pertains to an ICD-10 diagnosis code:

"...tuberculoisis of bones and joints are classified to

subcategory A.18.0, Tuberculosis of bones and joints."

While we all might agree that we are perfectly capable of properly using the word "and" without governmental guidance, nonetheless it would behoove us to take a look at the new ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. Apart from esoteric discussions pertaining to proper usage of conjunctions in a sentence or title, there is some useful stuff in the guidelines.

The publication expounds upon in detail, coding with respect to some common illnesses and/or conditions. The applicability of the coding is sequential and is outlined with a high degree of specificity. For instance, if a patient has an HIV diagnosis, page 19 of the guide discusses the sequence and selection of the proper ICD-10 code. Whether the patient was admitted for an HIV condition, or was previously diagnosed with HIV but is being admitted for an unrelated condition, is pregnant, or is simply being tested, will all have a bearing on the proper code selection. Not to mention, whether the words "and" or "or" are involved.

In addition to HIV, the guide covers ICD-10 coding for common illnesses and conditions such as MRSA, diabetes, neoplasms, glaucoma, hypertension, COPD, asthma, osteoporosis, pregnancy disorders, and chronic kidney disease. This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list as there are many more health conditions discussed in the guide.

To obtain a copy of the guide, just click on the link below. You can either bookmark the link as a favorite or simply print out the 114 page document.

ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

By the way, after defining "and", the next topic in the guide is a scintillating exposition of what the word "with" means when used in a title. Not all that surprising, "with" means "with" or "associated with", according to the guide. Sigh.