In the ICD-10-CM Tabular List, what is used to enclose abbreviations, synonyms, or explanatory phrases?

In the ICD-10-CM Tabular List, parentheses are used to enclose abbreviations, synonyms, or explanatory phrases. This notation serves to provide additional information about the term or code, which can help coders understand the context without altering the meaning of the main term.

For instance, when you see a code followed by a term in parentheses, it may offer alternate terminology that can be utilized for that diagnosis or clarify a particular aspect of it. This is essential for accurate coding, ensuring all relevant details are considered while maintaining the integrity of the code itself.

While brackets, braces, and quotes serve different purposes within coding conventions, they do not provide the same function as parentheses do in this context. Brackets typically indicate codes that are not to be used alone, braces group codes that are required together, and quotes generally highlight specific phrases or terms. Thus, understanding this specific use of parentheses is crucial for coders to navigate the ICD-10-CM effectively.