Code Structure

In ICD-10-PCS, each character in the 7-character code is an aspect of the procedure. You can build the code by choosing a specific value for each of the 7 characters. Assign values for each character based on the procedure you’re coding. Specify the section, body system, root operation, body part, approach, device, and qualifier. A valid code must specify all 7 characters.

This example shows characters from the Medical and Surgical section. Use your mouse to hover over each numeric character for a description.