How is the ICD-10-CM index to Diseases and Injuries organized?

The ICD-10-CM index to Diseases and Injuries is organized using a structured approach that includes main terms, subterms, and qualifiers. Main terms are the primary diagnoses or conditions that are listed alphabetically, representing diseases, injuries, and health-related conditions. Subterms provide additional specificity and detail related to the main terms, helping clarify the exact nature of the condition. Second qualifiers and third qualifiers further refine the description, offering more precise coding options, which are essential for accurate diagnosis documentation and reporting.

This hierarchical structure enables coders to navigate the index effectively and locate the appropriate codes based on the clinical details provided. The design ensures that coders are aided in finding the most accurate and specific code for the diagnosis, which is critical for billing, treatment planning, and health data statistics. Other choices, such as an alphabetical order of diseases or a numerical code system without subcategories, do not reflect the comprehensive and structured format that the ICD-10-CM index employs, as they would lack the necessary granularity and classification needed for effective coding.