ICD-10-CM Quick Guide for CPC & CRC Students

Use this as a study reference: The goal is to build a repeatable ICD-10-CM navigation process—not to memorize thousands of diagnosis codes.

The core ICD-10-CM workflow

1. Read the documentation

Identify the condition being coded and the details supported by the record. Do not begin by guessing a code.

2. Start in the Alphabetic Index

Locate the main term and follow applicable subterms and cross-references. The Index points you toward a possible code or category.

3. Verify in the Tabular List

Never stop at the Index. Confirm the code in the Tabular List before assignment.

4. Read all applicable instructions

Look for Code first, Use additional code, Excludes notes, Includes notes, and other instructions that affect selection or sequencing.

5. Check specificity

Confirm details such as site, laterality, acuity, type, stage, encounter, or other characters supported by the documentation.

6. Confirm required characters

Some codes require placeholders or a 7th character. Make sure the final code is complete.

7. Apply the guidelines

Review the applicable ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, including chapter-specific guidance when relevant.

8. Final verification

Make sure the final code accurately reflects the documentation and that sequencing or additional-code requirements have been addressed.

INDEX → TABULAR LIST → INSTRUCTIONS → SPECIFICITY → GUIDELINES → FINAL CODE

What to check in the Tabular List

Includes / inclusion terms

Clarify conditions included within a category or code.

Excludes notes

Read the note carefully and apply it according to the current code set.

Code first

Signals a sequencing instruction when the circumstances apply.

Use additional code

Signals that another code may be needed to provide additional information.

Laterality and specificity

Use the most specific code supported by the documentation.

Placeholder X / 7th character

Complete codes exactly as required by the Tabular List.

Quick reminders for CPC & CRC students

• Do not assign a diagnosis code from the Alphabetic Index alone.

• Documentation drives code selection. Do not add specificity that is not supported.

• Watch sequencing instructions; the order of codes can matter.

• Use the code set and Official Guidelines applicable to the date of service and your setting.

• For risk adjustment work, accurate diagnosis coding still begins with supported documentation and correct ICD-10-CM selection.

Mini practice workflow

Your task: Identify the main term → locate it in the Alphabetic Index → follow the reference → verify in the Tabular List → read all notes → confirm specificity and required characters → apply applicable guidelines → assign only what the documentation supports.

Study tip: Practice the workflow until it becomes automatic. Strong code-book navigation is more useful than trying to memorize thousands of diagnosis codes.

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Educational resource. Always verify coding against the current ICD-10-CM code set, Official Guidelines, payer requirements, and the documentation for the encounter.