Introduction to ICD-10-CM Outpatient Diagnostic Coding

Course Title: Introduction to ICD-10-CM Diagnostic Coding

Course Description: This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of the ICD-10-CM coding system, focusing on the fundamental principles and practical application of diagnostic coding. Students will learn how to accurately assign codes to diagnoses, understand the structure and guidelines of the ICD-10-CM manual, and develop the skills necessary for entry-level coding positions in healthcare settings.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the history and purpose of ICD-10-CM.

• Navigate the ICD-10-CM manual effectively.

• Apply the general coding guidelines and conventions.

• Accurately assign ICD-10-CM codes to common diagnoses.

• Understand the relationship between diagnosis codes and healthcare reimbursement.

• Recognize the importance of accurate coding in healthcare documentation.

Course Outline/Topics:

Module 1: Introduction to ICD-10-CM

• History and purpose of ICD-10-CM

• Structure of the ICD-10-CM manual (Alphabetic Index, Tabular List)

• Key terminology and definitions

• Overview of the general coding guidelines

Module 2: ICD-10-CM Coding Conventions

• "Includes" and "Excludes" notes

• "Code also" and "Use additional code" instructions

• "See" and "See also" references

• Abbreviations and symbols

• "NEC" and "NOS"

• Laterality

Module 3: General Coding Guidelines

• Locating codes in the Alphabetic Index and Tabular List

• Importance of accurate documentation

• Coding to the highest level of specificity

• Coding signs and symptoms vs. definitive diagnoses

• Acute vs. Chronic conditions

Module 4: Coding Specific Conditions (Part 1)

• Coding infectious and parasitic diseases

• Coding neoplasms (cancers)

• Coding diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs

• Coding Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases.

Module 5: Coding Specific Conditions (Part 2)

• Coding mental and behavioral disorders

• Coding diseases of the nervous system

• Coding diseases of the eye and ear

• Coding diseases of the circulatory system.

Module 6: Coding Specific Conditions (Part 3)

• Coding diseases of the respiratory system

• Coding diseases of the digestive system

• Coding diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

• Coding diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.

Module 7: Coding Specific Conditions (Part 4)

• Coding diseases of the genitourinary system.

• Coding pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium.

• Coding certain conditions originating in the perinatal period.

• Coding congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities.

Module 8: Coding Injuries and External Causes

• Coding injuries, poisonings, and certain other consequences of external causes

• Use of external cause codes (V, W, X, Y codes)

• Sequencing external cause codes.

Module 9: Practical Application and Review

• Case studies and coding exercises

• Review of coding guidelines and conventions

• Discussion of common coding errors

• Overview of the relationship between coding and reimbursement.

Module 10: Professionalism and Career Development

• HIPAA and patient privacy.

• The importance of accurate and ethical coding.

• Career paths in medical coding.

• Resources for continued learning and certification.

Assessment Methods:

• Quizzes

• Coding exercises

• Case study assignments

• Final examination

Required Materials:

• ICD-10-CM code book (current edition)

This outline provides a solid foundation for an introductory ICD-10-CM coding course. Remember to adapt the content and assessment methods to your specific audience and learning objectives.