The three main differences between ICD-9-CM (Clinical Modification) and ICD-10-CM, according to the report, are:
• The number of codes will increase from about 13,000 to 68,000
• The codes will increase in size from three to five digits to three to seven digits
• Previously, the codes were numeric for all chapters and alphanumeric for supplementary chapters, but with ICD-10, the first digit in the code will be alphabetic, followed by numerals for digits two through seven.
Physicians will need to keep these changes in mind to ensure that their documentation is complete, according to the report.
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