What should coders use to determine the correct ICD-10-CM code?

To accurately determine the correct ICD-10-CM code, coders should use both the Alphabetic Index and the Tabular List. The Alphabetic Index provides a structured way to look up diagnoses or conditions by their common terms. This index allows coders to quickly find potential codes related to the diagnosis.

Once a coder finds a potential code in the Alphabetic Index, they must then verify and finalize their selection using the Tabular List. The Tabular List organizes codes in a systematic way, including additional guidelines, code descriptions, and notes that provide crucial information about the application of each code. This comprehensive approach ensures that coders select the most precise and specific code appropriate for the documentation.

Relying on only one of these resources—either just the Tabular List or just the Alphabetic Index—can lead to incomplete or incorrect coding, as each serves a distinct purpose in the coding process. Additionally, using records from a previous coding year may not reflect the most current guidelines or code assignments, limiting the accuracy and compliance of the coding work. Thus, the combined use of both the Alphabetic Index and the Tabular List is essential for accurate ICD-10-CM coding.