Understanding Parenthetical Terms in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index

Types of Parenthetical Information

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that synonyms or alternative terminology in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index are different terms that refer to the same condition, allowing coders to find the correct code regardless of which term appears in the medical documentation 1
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that qualifying information in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index provides additional descriptive details about the hypertensive condition that may affect code selection, which is crucial for accurate reimbursement 1

Coding Implications

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that proper specificity in diagnosis coding is crucial for accurate reimbursement 1