ICD-9 Code 879.8
Open wound(s) (multiple) of unspecified site(s), without mention of complication
Not Valid for Submission
879.8 is a legacy non-billable code used to specify a medical diagnosis of open wound(s) (multiple) of unspecified site(s), without mention of complication. This code was replaced on September 30, 2015 by its ICD-10 equivalent.
ICD-9: | 879.8 |
Short Description: | Open wound site NOS |
Long Description: | Open wound(s) (multiple) of unspecified site(s), without mention of complication |
Convert 879.8 to ICD-10
The following crosswalk between ICD-9 to ICD-10 is based based on the General Equivalence Mappings (GEMS) information:
- S31.000A - Unsp opn wnd low back and pelv w/o penet retroperiton, init
Code Classification
-
Injury and poisoning (800–999)
-
Open wound of head, neck, and trunk (870-879)
- 879 Open wound of other and unspecified sites, except limbs
-
Open wound of head, neck, and trunk (870-879)
Information for Medical Professionals
Index to Diseases and Injuries
References found for the code 879.8 in the Index of Diseases and Injuries:
- Avulsion traumatic 879.8
- blood vessel see Injury blood vessel by site
- cartilage SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Dislocation by site- knee current SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Tear meniscus 836.2
- symphyseal inner complicating delivery 665.6
- knee current SEE ALSO See Also
- complicated 879.9
- diaphragm see Injury internal diaphragm
- ear see Wound open ear
- epiphysis of bone see Fracture by site
- external site other than limb see Wound open by site
- eye 871.3
- fingernail see Wound open finger
- fracture see Fracture by site
- genital organs external see Wound open genital organs
- head intracranial NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Injury intracranial with open intracranial wound- complete 874.9
- internal organ or site see Injury internal by site
- joint SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Dislocation by site- capsule see Sprain by site
- ligament see Sprain by site
- limb SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Amputation traumatic by site- skin and subcutaneous tissue see Wound open by site
- muscle see Sprain by site
- nerve root see Injury nerve by site
- scalp see Wound open scalp
- skin and subcutaneous tissue see Wound open by site
- symphyseal cartilage inner complicating delivery 665.6
- tendon SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Sprain by site- with open wound see Wound open by site
- toenail see Wound open toe s
- tooth 873.63
- complicated 873.73
- Wound open by cutting or piercing instrument by firearms cut dissection incised laceration penetration perforating puncture with initial hemorrhage not internal 879.8
- abdomen abdominal external muscle 879.2
- complicated 879.3
- wall anterior 879.2
- complicated 879.3
- lateral 879.4
- complicated 879.5
- alveolar process 873.62
- complicated 873.72
- ankle 891.0
- with tendon involvement 891.2
- complicated 891.1
- anterior chamber eye SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Wound open intraocular 871.9
- anus 863.89
- arm 884.0
- with tendon involvement 884.2
- complicated 884.1
- forearm 881.00
- with tendon involvement 881.20
- complicated 881.10
- multiple sites see Wound open multiple upper limb
- upper 880.03
- with tendon involvement 880.23
- complicated 880.13
- multiple sites with axillary or shoulder regions 880.09
- with tendon involvement 880.29
- complicated 880.19
- artery see Injury blood vessel by site
- auditory
- canal external meatus 872.02
- complicated 872.12
- ossicles incus malleus stapes 872.62
- complicated 872.72
- canal external meatus 872.02
- auricle ear 872.01
- complicated 872.11
- axilla 880.02
- with tendon involvement 880.22
- complicated 880.12
- with tendon involvement 880.29
- involving other sites of upper arm 880.09
- complicated 880.19
- back 876.0
- complicated 876.1
- bladder see Injury internal bladder
- blood vessel see Injury blood vessel by site
- brain see Injury intracranial with open intracranial wound
- breast 879.0
- complicated 879.1
- brow 873.42
- complicated 873.52
- buccal mucosa 873.61
- complicated 873.71
- buttock 877.0
- complicated 877.1
- calf 891.0
- with tendon involvement 891.2
- complicated 891.1
- canaliculus lacrimalis 870.8
- with laceration of eyelid 870.2
- canthus eye 870.8
- laceration see Laceration eyelid
- cavernous sinus see Injury intracranial
- cerebellum see Injury intracranial
- cervical esophagus 874.4
- complicated 874.5
- cervix see Injury internal cervix
- cheek s external 873.41
- complicated 873.51
- internal 873.61
- complicated 873.71
- chest wall external 875.0
- complicated 875.1
- chin 873.44
- complicated 873.54
- choroid 363.63
- ciliary body eye SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Wound open intraocular 871.9
- clitoris 878.8
- complicated 878.9
- cochlea 872.64
- complicated 872.74
- complicated 879.9
- conjunctiva see Wound open intraocular
- cornea nonpenetrating SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Wound open intraocular 871.9
- costal region 875.0
- complicated 875.1
- Descemet s membrane SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Wound open intraocular 871.9
- digit s
- foot 893.0
- with tendon involvement 893.2
- complicated 893.1
- hand 883.0
- with tendon involvement 883.2
- complicated 883.1
- foot 893.0
- drumhead ear 872.61
- complicated 872.71
- ear 872.8
- canal 872.02
- complicated 872.12
- complicated 872.9
- drum 872.61
- complicated 872.71
- external 872.00
- complicated 872.10
- multiple sites 872.69
- complicated 872.79
- ossicles incus malleus stapes 872.62
- complicated 872.72
- canal 872.02
- elbow 881.01
- with tendon involvement 881.21
- complicated 881.11
- epididymis 878.2
- complicated 878.3
- epigastric region 879.2
- complicated 879.3
- epiglottis 874.01
- complicated 874.11
- esophagus cervical 874.4
- complicated 874.5
- thoracic see Injury internal esophagus
- Eustachian tube 872.63
- complicated 872.73
- extremity
- lower multiple NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 894.0- with tendon involvement 894.2
- complicated 894.1
- upper multiple NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 884.0- with tendon involvement 884.2
- complicated 884.1
- lower multiple NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
- eye s globe see Wound open intraocular
- eyeball NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 871.9- laceration SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Laceration eyeball 871.4
- penetrating SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Penetrating wound eyeball 871.7
- laceration SEE ALSO See Also
- eyebrow 873.42
- complicated 873.52
- eyelid NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 870.8- laceration see Laceration eyelid
- face 873.40
- complicated 873.50
- multiple sites 873.49
- complicated 873.59
- fallopian tube see Injury internal fallopian tube
- finger s nail subungual 883.0
- with tendon involvement 883.2
- complicated 883.1
- flank 879.4
- complicated 879.5
- foot any part except toe s alone 892.0
- with tendon involvement 892.2
- complicated 892.1
- forearm 881.00
- with tendon involvement 881.20
- complicated 881.10
- forehead 873.42
- complicated 873.52
- genital organs external NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 878.8- complicated 878.9
- internal see Injury internal by site
- globe eye SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Wound open eyeball 871.9
- groin 879.4
- complicated 879.5
- gum s 873.62
- complicated 873.72
- hand except finger s alone 882.0
- with tendon involvement 882.2
- complicated 882.1
- head NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 873.8- with intracranial injury see Injury intracranial
- due to or associated with skull fracture see Fracture skull
- complicated 873.9
- scalp see Wound open scalp
- with intracranial injury see Injury intracranial
- heel 892.0
- with tendon involvement 892.2
- complicated 892.1
- high velocity grease gun see Wound open complicated by site
- hip 890.0
- with tendon involvement 890.2
- complicated 890.1
- hymen 878.6
- complicated 878.7
- hypochondrium 879.4
- complicated 879.5
- hypogastric region 879.2
- complicated 879.3
- iliac region 879.4
- complicated 879.5
- incidental to
- dislocation see Dislocation open by site
- fracture see Fracture open by site
- intracranial injury see Injury intracranial with open intracranial wound
- nerve injury see Injury nerve by site
- inguinal region 879.4
- complicated 879.5
- instep 892.0
- with tendon involvement 892.2
- complicated 892.1
- interscapular region 876.0
- complicated 876.1
- intracranial see Injury intracranial with open intracranial wound
- intraocular 871.9
- with
- partial loss of intraocular tissue 871.2
- prolapse or exposure of intraocular tissue 871.1
- laceration SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Laceration eyeball 871.4
- penetrating 871.7
- with foreign body nonmagnetic 871.6
- magnetic 871.5
- with foreign body nonmagnetic 871.6
- without prolapse of intraocular tissue 871.0
- with
- iris SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Wound open eyeball 871.9
- jaw fracture not involved 873.44
- with fracture see Fracture jaw
- complicated 873.54
- knee 891.0
- with tendon involvement 891.2
- complicated 891.1
- labium majus minus 878.4
- complicated 878.5
- lacrimal apparatus gland or sac 870.8
- with laceration of eyelid 870.2
- larynx 874.01
- with trachea 874.00
- complicated 874.10
- complicated 874.11
- with trachea 874.00
- leg multiple 891.0
- with tendon involvement 891.2
- complicated 891.1
- lower 891.0
- with tendon involvement 891.2
- complicated 891.1
- thigh 890.0
- with tendon involvement 890.2
- complicated 890.1
- upper 890.0
- with tendon involvement 890.2
- complicated 890.1
- lens eye alone SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Cataract traumatic 366.20- with involvement of other eye structures see Wound open eyeball
- limb
- lower multiple NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 894.0- with tendon involvement 894.2
- complicated 894.1
- upper multiple NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 884.0- with tendon involvement 884.2
- complicated 884.1
- lower multiple NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
- lip 873.43
- complicated 873.53
- loin 876.0
- complicated 876.1
- lumbar region 876.0
- complicated 876.1
- malar region 873.41
- complicated 873.51
- mastoid region 873.49
- complicated 873.59
- mediastinum see Injury internal mediastinum
- midthoracic region 875.0
- complicated 875.1
- mouth 873.60
- complicated 873.70
- floor 873.64
- complicated 873.74
- multiple sites 873.69
- complicated 873.79
- multiple unspecified site s 879.8
- complicated 879.9
- lower limb s one or both sites classifiable to more than one three digit category in 890 893 894.0
- with tendon involvement 894.2
- complicated 894.1
- upper limb s one or both sites classifiable to more than one three digit category in 880 883 884.0
- with tendon involvement 884.2
- complicated 884.1
- muscle see Sprain by site
- nail
- finger s 883.0
- complicated 883.1
- thumb 883.0
- complicated 883.1
- toe s 893.0
- complicated 893.1
- finger s 883.0
- nape NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular.k 874.8- complicated 874.9
- nasal SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Wound open nose- cavity 873.22
- complicated 873.32
- septum 873.21
- complicated 873.31
- sinuses 873.23
- complicated 873.33
- cavity 873.22
- nasopharynx 873.22
- complicated 873.32
- NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular.k 874.8- complicated 874.9
- nape 874.8
- complicated 874.9
- nerve see Injury nerve by site
- non healing surgical 998.83
- nose 873.20
- complicated 873.30
- multiple sites 873.29
- complicated 873.39
- septum 873.21
- complicated 873.31
- sinuses 873.23
- complicated 873.33
- occipital region see Wound open scalp
- ocular NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 871.9- adnexa 870.9
- laceration SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Laceration ocular 871.4
- muscle extraocular 870.3
- with foreign body 870.4
- eyelid 870.1
- intraocular see Wound open eyeball
- penetrating SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Penetrating wound ocular 871.7
- orbit 870.8
- penetrating 870.3
- with foreign body 870.4
- penetrating 870.3
- orbital region 870.9
- ovary see Injury internal pelvic organs
- palate 873.65
- complicated 873.75
- palm 882.0
- with tendon involvement 882.2
- complicated 882.1
- parathyroid gland 874.2
- complicated 874.3
- parietal region see Wound open scalp
- pelvic floor or region 879.6
- complicated 879.7
- penis 878.0
- complicated 878.1
- perineum 879.6
- complicated 879.7
- periocular area 870.8
- laceration of skin 870.0
- pharynx 874.4
- complicated 874.5
- pinna 872.01
- complicated 872.11
- popliteal space 891.0
- with tendon involvement 891.2
- complicated 891.1
- prepuce 878.0
- complicated 878.1
- pubic region 879.2
- complicated 879.3
- pudenda 878.8
- complicated 878.9
- rectovaginal septum 878.8
- complicated 878.9
- sacral region 877.0
- complicated 877.1
- sacroiliac region 877.0
- complicated 877.1
- salivary ducts glands 873.69
- complicated 873.79
- scalp 873.0
- complicated 873.1
- scalpel fetus or newborn 767.8
- scapular region 880.01
- with tendon involvement 880.21
- complicated 880.11
- involving other sites of upper arm 880.09
- with tendon involvement 880.29
- complicated 880.19
- sclera SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Wound open intraocular 871.9
- scrotum 878.2
- complicated 878.3
- seminal vesicle see Injury internal pelvic organs
- shin 891.0
- with tendon involvement 891.2
- complicated 891.1
- shoulder 880.00
- with tendon involvement 880.20
- complicated 880.10
- involving other sites of upper arm 880.09
- with tendon involvement 880.29
- complicated 880.19
- skin NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 879.8- complicated 879.9
- skull SEE ALSO See Also
A “see also” instruction following a main term in the index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the “see also” note when the original main term provides the necessary code. Injury intracranial with open intracranial wound- with skull fracture see Fracture skull
- spermatic cord scrotal 878.2
- complicated 878.3
- pelvic region see Injury internal spermatic cord
- spinal cord see Injury spinal
- sternal region 875.0
- complicated 875.1
- subconjunctival see Wound open intraocular
- subcutaneous NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 879.8- complicated 879.9
- submaxillary region 873.44
- complicated 873.54
- submental region 873.44
- complicated 873.54
- subungual
- finger s thumb see Wound open finger
- toe s see Wound open toe
- supraclavicular region 874.8
- complicated 874.9
- supraorbital 873.42
- complicated 873.52
- surgical non healing 998.83
- temple 873.49
- complicated 873.59
- temporal region 873.49
- complicated 873.59
- testis 878.2
- complicated 878.3
- thigh 890.0
- with tendon involvement 890.2
- complicated 890.1
- thorax thoracic external 875.0
- complicated 875.1
- throat 874.8
- complicated 874.9
- thumb nail subungual 883.0
- with tendon involvement 883.2
- complicated 883.1
- thyroid gland 874.2
- complicated 874.3
- toe s nail subungual 893.0
- with tendon involvement 893.2
- complicated 893.1
- tongue 873.64
- complicated 873.74
- tonsil see Wound open NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular.k
- trachea cervical region 874.02
- with larynx 874.00
- complicated 874.10
- complicated 874.12
- intrathoracic see Injury internal trachea
- with larynx 874.00
- trunk multiple NEC NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable"
This abbreviation in the index represents “other specified” when a specific code is not available for a condition the index directs the coder to the “other specified” code in the tabular. 879.6- complicated 879.7
- tunica vaginalis 878.2
- complicated 878.3
- tympanic membrane 872.61
- complicated 872.71
- tympanum 872.61
- complicated 872.71
- umbilical region 879.2
- complicated 879.3
- ureter see Injury internal ureter
- urethra see Injury internal urethra
- uterus see Injury internal uterus
- uvula 873.69
- complicated 873.79
- vagina 878.6
- complicated 878.7
- vas deferens see Injury internal vas deferens
- vitreous humor 871.2
- vulva 878.4
- complicated 878.5
- wrist 881.02
- with tendon involvement 881.22
- complicated 881.12
- abdomen abdominal external muscle 879.2
Information for Patients
Wounds and Injuries
An injury is damage to your body. It is a general term that refers to harm caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and more. In the U.S., millions of people injure themselves every year. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Injuries can happen at work or play, indoors or outdoors, driving a car, or walking across the street.
Wounds are injuries that break the skin or other body tissues. They include cuts, scrapes, scratches, and punctured skin. They often happen because of an accident, but surgery, sutures, and stitches also cause wounds. Minor wounds usually aren't serious, but it is important to clean them. Serious and infected wounds may require first aid followed by a visit to your doctor. You should also seek attention if the wound is deep, you cannot close it yourself, you cannot stop the bleeding or get the dirt out, or it does not heal.
Other common types of injuries include:
- Animal bites
- Bruises
- Burns
- Dislocations
- Electrical injuries
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Sprains and strains
[Read More]
ICD-9 Footnotes
General Equivalence Map Definitions
The ICD-9 and ICD-10 GEMs are used to facilitate linking between the diagnosis codes in ICD-9-CM and the new ICD-10-CM code set. The GEMs are the raw material from which providers, health information vendors and payers can derive specific applied mappings to meet their needs.
- Approximate Flag - The approximate flag is on, indicating that the relationship between the code in the source system and the code in the target system is an approximate equivalent.
- No Map Flag - The no map flag indicates that a code in the source system is not linked to any code in the target system.
- Combination Flag - The combination flag indicates that more than one code in the target system is required to satisfy the full equivalent meaning of a code in the source system.
Index of Diseases and Injuries Definitions
- And - The word "and" should be interpreted to mean either "and" or "or" when it appears in a title.
- Code also note - A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
- Code first - Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
- Type 1 Excludes Notes - A type 1 Excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- Type 2 Excludes Notes - A type 2 Excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- Includes Notes - This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- Inclusion terms - List of terms is included under some codes. These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
- NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable" - This abbreviation in the Alphabetic Index represents "other specified". When a specific code is not available for a condition, the Alphabetic Index directs the coder to the "other specified” code in the Tabular List.
- NOS "Not otherwise specified" - This abbreviation is the equivalent of unspecified.
- See - The "see" instruction following a main term in the Alphabetic Index indicates that another term should be referenced. It is necessary to go to the main term referenced with the "see" note to locate the correct code.
- See Also - A "see also" instruction following a main term in the Alphabetic Index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional Alphabetic Index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the "see also" note when the original main term provides the necessary code.
- 7th Characters - Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
- With - The word "with" should be interpreted to mean "associated with" or "due to" when it appears in a code title, the Alphabetic Index, or an instructional note in the Tabular List. The word "with" in the Alphabetic Index is sequenced immediately following the main term, not in alphabetical order.