Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What distinguishes ICD-9 from ICD-10 in terms of diagnosis coding?

1. Type of coding used

2. Number of codes available

3. Level of specificity in coding

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

When comparing ICD-9 to ICD-10 in diagnosis coding, several key differences emerge that highlight the advancements and changes in the coding system. The correct choice reflects that all aspects listed are distinguishing factors. Firstly, the type of coding used is fundamentally different between the two. ICD-9 consists of a limited set of alphanumeric codes, while ICD-10 has expanded this system significantly, introducing a more complex alphanumeric structure that accommodates a wider range of conditions and scenarios. Secondly, the number of codes available is markedly greater in ICD-10. ICD-9 has approximately 14,000 codes, whereas ICD-10 boasts over 68,000 codes. This increase allows for more precise and comprehensive coding, which is essential for capturing the nuances of medical diagnoses more accurately. Lastly, the level of specificity in coding is enhanced in ICD-10. Where ICD-9 often uses more general codes that may not accurately reflect specific conditions or procedures, ICD-10 allows for greater detail. It includes codes that specify laterality (right, left, bilateral), different stages of diseases, and more precise descriptors, providing a clearer picture of a patient's health status. Together, these distinctions contribute to improved data collection, healthcare analytics, and billing processes, making the