General rules in ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS that guide coding practices are referred to as what?

The term that refers to the general rules in ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) and ICD-10-PCS (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System) that guide coding practices is "coding conventions."

Coding conventions are essential principles that help coders consistently and accurately assign codes. They include specific instructions on code usage, the format of coding, punctuation, and other elements that enhance the clarity and comprehensiveness of the codes. These conventions ensure that the coding process aligns with the guidelines established by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), promoting uniformity in coding across different healthcare settings.

Guidelines represent additional instructions that provide more detailed criteria for coding and reporting but do not encompass the broader principles covered by coding conventions. Regulations usually refer to legal requirements rather than the operational standards of coding, while standards can denote a broader category of accepted practices but are not specifically tailored to the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding systems.