What is the structure of ICD-10-PCS codes?
The seven digit ICD-10-PCS structure will offer the precision and expandability that is lacking in the three to four digits ICD-9-CM procedure codes. The ICD-10 system has a multi-axial structure with each code character having the same meaning within the specific procedure section and across procedure sections to the extent possible. The first position will always indicate one of the 17 procedure section values. Each of the 7 characters can have up to 34 different values or definitions. The new structure of ICD-10-PCS code is as follows: • Each can be alpha (not case-sensitive) or numeric • Numbers zero through nine are valid values • Letters O and I are not valid values; this eliminates confusion with zero and one • Each character defines a specific aspect of the procedure. Character 1 defines the section name related to type or location of service. Characters 2 through 7 have a standard meaning within each section but may have different meanings across sections. As shown below the c
