Diagnosis Coding

The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) is based on the World Health Organization's Ninth Revision, International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9). ICD-9-CM is the official system of assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures associated with hospital utilization in the United States.
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are the U.S. governmental agencies responsible for overseeing all changes and modifications to the ICD-9-CM.
The Official Guidelines for Coding ICD 9 CM are compiled into one place, rather than section by section as in the CPT code book. There are rules that apply to all coding, and then specific guidelines on each chapter.
There are some specific guidelines for outpatient coding. For situations not addressed here, follow the rules in the Official Guidelines.
Diagnostic Coding and Reporting Guidelines for Outpatient Services: One of the main differences in outpatient coding is that only a confirmed diagnosis may be coded. On the inpatient side, if at discharge a condition is still suspected it should be coded.

This is the only official publication for ICD-9-CM coding guidelines and advice as designated by the four Cooperating Parties (AHA, AHIMA, CMS, NCHS) and the Editorial Advisory Board.
Content includes selected questions of greatest interest to the coding community and guidelines developed and approved by the Editorial Advisory Board.
These are official determinations followed by CMS, and should be checked and followed for the correct use of an ICD 9 code.
Published quarterly by the American Hospital Association.
Must be purchased either in paper or on CD from the AHA.

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