ICD-10-CM 7th Character Extension

July 30, 2015


I don’t understand the 7th character extension. Why don’t all codes get the 7th character extension?


Good question! Only certain categories of codes have the 7th character extension requirement. For neurosurgery, the most common categories of codes include pathological fractures (M80, M84), traumatic injuries (S00-S39), and complications such as shunt malfunctions (e.g., T85). The 7th character of A or B is for an initial encounter and used as long as the patient is receiving active treatment for the condition (e.g., consultation in the ER, surgery). The 7th character for subsequent encounters (e.g., D, G, K, P, S) is used when the patient has completed active treatment.

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