For the latest ICD-10 Updates Follow Us

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

There are several structural differences between ICD-9-CM codes and ICD-10-CM codes.

Table 1 illustrates the difference between ICD-9-CM, (Volumes 1 and 2) and ICD-10-CM. Table 2 illustrates the difference between ICD-9-CM, (Volume 3) and ICD-10-PCS.

Table 1: Diagnosis Code Comparison

Characteristic ICD-9-CM (VOLS. 1 & 2) ICD-10-CM
Field Length 3-5 Characters 3-7 Characters
Available Codes Approximately 14,000 codes Approximately 69,000 codes
Code Composition (numeric or alpha) Digit 1 = alpha or numeric
Digits 2-5 = numeric		 Digit 1 = alpha
Digit 2 = numeric
Digits 3-7 = alpha or numeric
Available Space for New Codes Limited Flexible
Overall Detail Embedded Within Codes Limited detail in many conditions Generally more specific (Allows descriptions of comorbidities, manifestations, etiology/causation, complications, detailed anatomical location, sequelae (after effects of a disease, condition, or injury such as scar formation after a burn), degree of functional impairment, biologic and chemical agents, phase/stage, lymph node involvement, lateralization and localization, procedure or implant related, age related, or joint involvement)
Laterality Does not identify right versus left Often identifies right versus left
Sample Code 81315, Open fracture of head of radius S52122C, Displaced fracture of head of left radius, initial encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC

You're in Good Company

See why 9,000+ organizations trust Axxess.

See Demo