ICD-10 | ICD-10 Codes | ICD-10 Study Guide | How to Prepare for ICD-10
If you're ready to pursue a career as a medical coder, than obtaining a firm understanding of the ICD-10 coding system during your training will be essential to your future success as a health care professional. From how the list of ICD-10 codes will increase for improved care and documentation, to the origins of how the coding system started, medical coding is a vital part of today's health care system. Learn more about the fascinating medical coding industry and understand why a full understanding of ICD-10 codes is necessary.
What is ICD code?
- ICD stands for the International Classification of Diseases, and ICD-10 code is the tenth revision.
- ICD sets the international standard for diagnostic classification for many health management practices, clinical uses and all general epidemiological. (AAPC)
- Medical coding is an important job! In fact, coding accuracy is important for the analysis of the general health of the population, proper monitoring of the types and frequencies of diseases, resource allocation, reimbursement, quality, guidelines and more. (AAPC)
What is the background of ICD codes?
- The first edition, known as the International List of Causes of Death, was adopted by the International Statistical Institute in 1893. (AAPC)
- The World Health Organization (WHO) was responsible for creating ICD in 1948; at that time, it was in its sixth edition, and was published with causes of morbidity for the first time. (AAPC)
- The World Health Assembly adopted the WHO regulations that mandated use of ICD by all member states in 1967. (AAPC)
- ICD-10 was endorsed by the 43rd World Health Assembly in 1990; it came into use in the World Health Organization (WHO) member states in 1994; ICD-10 has been adopted by nearly every country in the world. (AAPC)
- Effective October 1, 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will require all ICD-9 code sets to be replaced by the ICD-10 code sets.
What do ICD-10 coders need to know?
- ICD-9-CM consists of more than 17,000 codes, while ICD-10-CM will contain more than 141,000 codes – this includes new codes for procedures and diagnoses.
- Medical coders, medical billers and other health care professionals will need to prepare to fully implement ICD-10 codes sets by October 1, 2013; this will require ICD-10 training prior to the deadline to ensure a firm grasp on the new code system.
- According to the AAPC, ICD-10 consists of:
- An alphabetized index for injury origins and diseases, table of drugs, chemical and external injury causes
- A tabular list containing codes and cause-of-death titles (Vol. 1)
- Specific coding rules, descriptions and guidelines ( Vol. 2)
- Exclusion and inclusion terms for cause-of-death titles (Vol. 1)
The health care industry is growing, and with a new coding system being implemented industry-wide, trained and knowledgeable medical coders and billers will be in demand.
Will you be prepared? Train medical coding online in your free time, be ahead of individuals who wait and increase your career marketability. Learn more now!

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