• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki Right, Left, Unspecified

Create Wiki
B

bbooks

Guest
Messages
373
Best answers
0
Sort of a rant, but sincerely curious - does anyone know why in ICD-10 the numbers used for right, left, and unspecified are not consistent throughout the code book?
 
The number 1 is mostly the right side and the number 2 is mostly the left side. The unspecified is different but then it really does not matter because you will not be using it. When there is more than one choice in a category like dominance then it usually has the patter of right then left then right then left again.. Such as right side dominate is 1 left side dominate is 2 then right side non dominate is 3 and left side dominate is 4. Is not 100% but it is consistent enough to be cool!
 
When coding skin lesions, it varies.

For example:

C44- Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin,
1 = unspec, 2 = right, 9 = left

D22- Melanocytic nevi
0 = unspec, 1 = right, 2 = left

I code pathology, and a lot of derm cases, so it's just odd (and frustrating) that the numbers for laterality wouldn't be consistent.

Also, I cannot say I would never use an unspecified location code, because, although rare, sometimes we are not given that information. Thus the need to still have unspecified codes. ;)
 
Yes I know.. It is consistent until it isn't. I think someone came to work on a Moday after a hard weekend and just was not not paying attention!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top