ICD-10-CM Features
Character X Used as a Placeholder in Certain Codes
ICD-10-CM uses a character X as a placeholder in certain codes to:
- Allow for future expansion
- Fill in other empty characters when a code less than 6 characters in length needs a 7th character
If a placeholder exists, you must use X for the code to be considered valid.
This chart shows 2 examples of using character X as a placeholder.
ICD-10-CM Code | Description |
---|---|
T46.1X5A | Adverse effect of calcium-channel blockers, initial encounter |
T15.02XD | Foreign body in cornea, left eye, subsequent encounter |