Resource ICD-10-PCS

Lori · May 4, 2022

What organ or body part is involved?

❏ What body system is the site part of?
❏ How many sites are treated?
❏ What is the laterality (if applicable)?
❏ Does PCS subdivide the anatomic site into multiple segments or lobes for detailed body system or body part values?
• If so, which segment applies to this procedure? (Refer to PCS coding manual Index, Tables, and Body Part Key.

Character #5 Approach

Approach The technique used to reach the site of the procedure is specified in the fifth character.

There are seven different approaches.

The approach is comprised of three components:

Access location
Method
Type of instrumentation

• Access
Location For procedures performed on an internal body part, the access location specifies the external site through which the site of the procedure is reached. There are two general types of access locations: skin or mucous membranes, and external orifices. Every approach value except external includes one of these two access locations. The skin or mucous membrane can be cut or punctured to reach the procedure site. All open and percutaneous approach values use this access location. The site of a procedure can also be reached through an external opening. External openings can be natural (e.g., mouth) or artificial (e.g., colostomy stoma).

• Method
For procedures performed on an internal body part, the method specifies how the external access location is entered. An open method specifies cutting through the skin or mucous membrane and any other intervening body layers necessary to expose the site of the procedure. An instrumental method specifies the entry of instrumentation through the access location to the internal procedure site. Instrumentation can be introduced by puncture or minor incision, or through an external opening. The puncture or minor incision does not constitute an open approach, because it does not expose the site of the procedure. An approach can define multiple methods. For example, the percutaneous endoscopic approach includes both the percutaneous method to reach the procedure site and the introduction of instrumentation into the body part to perform the procedure.

• Type
Type of Instrumentation For procedures performed on an internal body part, instrumentation means that specialized equipment is used to perform the procedure. Instrumentation is used in all internal approaches other than the basic open approach. Instrumentation may or may not include the capacity to visualize the procedure site. For example, the instrumentation used to perform a sigmoidoscopy permits the internal site of the procedure to be visualized, while the instrumentation used to perform a needle biopsy of the liver does not. The term “endoscopic” as used in approach values refers to instrumentation that permits a site to be visualized. External Approaches Procedures performed directly on the skin or mucous membrane are identified by the external approach (e.g., skin excision). Procedures performed indirectly by the application of external force are also identified by the external approach (e.g., closed reduction of fracture).

External Approaches;

Procedures performed directly on the skin or mucous membrane are identified by the external approach (e.g., skin excision). Procedures performed indirectly by the application of external force are also identified by the external approach (e.g., closed reduction of fracture).

Medical and Surgical Approach Definitions

Open Cutting through the skin or mucous membrane and any other body layers necessary to expose the site of the procedure

Percutaneous Entry, by puncture or minor incision, of instrumentation through the skin or mucous membrane and/or any other body layers necessary to reach the site of the procedure

Percutaneous Endoscopic Entry, by puncture or minor incision, of instrumentation through the skin or mucous membrane and/or any other body layers necessary to reach and visualize the site of the procedure

Via Natural or Artificial Opening Entry of instrumentation through a natural or artificial external opening to reach the site of the procedure

Via Natural or Artificial Opening Endoscopic Entry of instrumentation through a natural or artificial external opening to reach and visualize the site of the procedure

Via Natural or Artificial Opening Endoscopic with Percutaneous Endoscopic Assistance Entry of instrumentation through a natural or artificial external opening to reach and visualize the site of the procedure, and entry, by puncture or minor incision, of instrumentation through the skin or mucous membrane and any other body layers necessary to aid in the performance of the procedure

External Procedures performed directly on the skin or mucous membrane and procedures performed indirectly by the application of external force through the skin or mucous membrane

Character #6 Device

Device The device is specified in the sixth character and is only used to specify devices that remain after the procedure is completed. There are four general types of devices:

1. Biological or synthetic material that takes the place of all or a portion of a body part (e.g, skin graft, joint prosthesis).
2. Biological or synthetic material that assists or prevents a physiological function (e.g., IUD).
3. Therapeutic material that is not absorbed by, eliminated by, or incorporated into a body part (e.g., radioactive implant).
4. Mechanical or electronic appliances used to assist, monitor, take the place of or prevent a physiological function (e.g., cardiac pacemaker, orthopedic pin).

While all devices can be removed, some devices cannot be removed without putting in another non-biological appliance or body part substitute. Specific device values may be coded with the root operations Alteration, Bypass, Creation, Dilation, Drainage, Fusion, Occlusion, Reposition, and Restriction. Specific device values must be coded with the root operations Change, Insertion, Removal, Replacement, and Revision. Instruments used to visualize the procedure site are not specified in the device value. This information is specified in the approach value. If the objective of the procedure is to put in the device, then the root operation is Insertion. If the device is put in to meet an objective other than insertion, then the root operation defining the underlying objective of the procedure is used, with the device specified in the device character. For example, if a procedure to replace the hip joint is performed, the root operation Replacement is coded and the prosthetic device is specified in the device character. Materials incidental to a procedure such as clips, ligatures and sutures are not specified in the device character. Because new devices can be developed, the value “Other Device” is provided as a temporary option for use until a specific device value is added to the system.

Qualifier
The qualifier is specified in the seventh character. The qualifier contains unique values for individual procedures as needed. For example, the qualifier can be used to identify the destination site in a bypass.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Obstetrics Section

The seven characters in the obstetrics section have the same meaning as in the medical and surgical section:
Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Body System
Character 3 = Root Operation
Character 4 = Body Part
Character 5 = Approach
Character 6 = Device
Character 7 = Qualifier

Obstetrics procedure codes have a first character value of “1”. The second character value for body system is Pregnancy. The root operations Change, Drainage, Extraction, Insertion, Inspection, Removal, Repair, Reposition, Resection and Transplantation are used in the obstetrics section, and have the same meaning as in the medical and surgical section. The obstetrics section also includes two additional root operations, Abortion and Delivery, defined below:

• Abortion: Artificially terminating a pregnancy

• Delivery: Assisting the passage of the products of conception from the genital canal A cesarean section is not its own unique root operation, because the underlying objective is Extraction (i.e., pulling out all or a portion of a body part).
The body part values in the obstetrics section are:
• Products of conception
• Products of conception, retained
• Products of conception, ectopic

The obstetrics section includes procedures performed on the products of conception only; procedures on the pregnant female are coded in the medical and surgical section (e.g., episiotomy). The term “products of conception” refers to all physical components of a pregnancy, including the fetus, amnion, umbilical cord and placenta. There is no differentiation of the products of conception based on gestational age. Thus, the specification of the products of conception as a zygote, embryo or fetus, or the trimester of the pregnancy, is not part of the procedure code but can be found in the diagnosis code. The fifth character specifies approaches as defined in the medical and surgical section. The sixth character is used for devices such as fetal monitoring electrodes. Qualifier values are specific to the root operation, and are used to specify the type of extraction (e.g., low forceps, high forceps, low cervical cesarean, etc.), the type of fluid taken out during a drainage procedure (e.g., amniotic fluid, fetal blood, etc.) or the body system of the products of conception on which a repair was performed.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Placement Section

The seven characters in the placement section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Anatomical Region
Character 3 = Root Operation
Character 4 = Body Region/Orifice
Character 5 = Approach
Character 6 = Device
Character 7 = Qualifier

Placement section codes represent procedures for putting an externally placed device in or on a body region for the purpose of protection, immobilization, stretching, compression or packing. Placement procedure codes have a first character value of “2”.
The second character value for body system is either anatomical regions or anatomical
orifices. The root operations Change and Removal are contained in the placement section,
and have the same meaning as in the medical and surgical section. The placement section
also includes five additional root operations, defined as follows:

• Compression: Putting pressure on a body region
• Dressing: Putting material on a body region for protection
• Immobilization: Limiting or preventing motion of a body region
• Packing: Putting material in a body region or orifice
• Traction: Exerting a pulling force on a body region in a distal direction

The fourth character values are either body regions (e.g., upper leg) or natural orifices (e.g., ear). Since all placement procedures are performed directly on the skin or mucous membrane, or performed indirectly by the application of external force through the skin
or mucous membrane, the approach value is always External.

The device character is always specified (except in the case of manual traction) and indicates the device placed during the procedure (e.g., cast, splint, bandage, etc.). Except for casts for fractures and dislocations, devices in the placement section are off the shelf and do not require any extensive design, fabrication or fitting. Placement of devices that require extensive design, fabrication or fitting are coded in the rehabilitation section. The qualifier character is not specified in the placement section; thus the qualifier value is always No Qualifier.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Administration Section

The seven characters in the administration section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Physiological System and Anatomical Region
Character 3 = Root Operation
Character 4 = Body System/Region
Character 5 = Approach
Character 6 = Substance
Character 7 = Qualifier

Administration section codes represent procedures for putting in or on a therapeutic, prophylactic, protective, diagnostic, nutritional or physiological substance. Administration procedure codes have a first character value of “3”. The body system character contains three values: circulatory system, indwelling device, and physiological systems and anatomical regions. The circulatory body system is used for transfusion procedures.

There are three root operations in the administration section:

• Introduction: Putting in or on a therapeutic, diagnostic, nutritional, physiological
or prophylactic substance except blood or blood products
• Irrigation: Putting in or on a cleansing substance
• Transfusion: Putting in blood or blood products

The fourth character specifies the body system/region. It identifies the site where the substance is administered, not the site where the substance administered takes effect. Sites include skin and mucous membrane, subcutaneous tissue and muscle. These differentiate intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections respectively. Other sites include eye, respiratory tract, peritoneal cavity, and epidural space.

The fifth character specifies approaches as defined in the medical and surgical section. The approach for intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular introductions (i.e., injections) is percutaneous. If a catheter is placed to introduce a substance into an internal site within the circulatory system, then the approach is percutaneous. For example, if a catheter is advanced directly into the heart to introduce contrast for angiography, then the procedure would be coded as a percutaneous introduction of contrast into the heart.

The body systems/regions for arteries and veins are peripheral artery, central artery, peripheral vein and central vein. The peripheral artery or vein is typically used when a substance is introduced locally into an artery or vein. For example, chemotherapy is the introduction of an antineoplastic substance into a peripheral artery or vein by a percutaneous approach. In general, the substance introduced into a peripheral artery or vein has a systemic effect.

The central artery or vein is typically used when the site where the substance is introduced is distant from the point of entry into the artery or vein. For example, the introduction of a substance directly at the site of a clot within an artery or vein using a catheter is coded as an introduction of a thrombolytic substance into a central artery or vein by a percutaneous approach. In general, the substance introduced into a central artery or vein has a local effect.

The sixth character specifies the substance being introduced. Broad categories of substances are defined, such as anesthetic, contrast, dialysate, and blood products such as platelets. The seventh character is a qualifier, and is used to indicate whether a substance transfused is autologous or nonautologous, or to further specify a substance introduced.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Measurement and Monitoring Section

The characters in the measuring and monitoring section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Physiological System
Character 3 = Root Operation
Character 4 = Body System
Character 5 = Approach
Character 6 = Function/Device
Character 7 = Qualifier

Measurement and monitoring section codes represent procedures for determining the level of a physiological or physical function. Measurement and monitoring procedure codes have a first character value of “4”. The second character value for body system is either physiological systems or physiological devices.

There are two root operations in the measurement and monitoring section, as defined below:

• Measurement: Determining the level of a physiological or physical function at a
point in time
• Monitoring: Determining the level of a physiological or physical function
repetitively over a period of time

The fourth character specifies the body system measured or monitored. The fifth character specifies approaches as defined in the medical and surgical section. Instead of specifying device, the sixth character specifies the physiological or physical function being measured or monitored. Examples of physiological or physical function values are conductivity, metabolism, pulse, temperature, and volume. If a device used to perform
the measurement or monitoring is inserted and left in, then insertion of the device is coded as a separate medical and surgical section procedure.
The seventh character qualifier contains specific values as needed to further specify the body part (e.g., central,portal, pulmonary) or a variation of the procedure performed (e.g., ambulatory, stress).

Examples of typical procedures coded in this section are EKG, EEG, and cardiac catheterization. An EKG is the measurement of cardiac electrical activity, while an EEG is the measurement of electrical activity of the central nervous system. A cardiac catheterization performed to measure the pressure in the heart is coded as the measurement of cardiac pressure by percutaneous approach.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Extracorporeal Assistance and Performance Section

The seven characters in the extracorporeal assistance and performance section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Physiological System
Character 3 = Root Operation
Character 4 = Body System
Character 5 = Duration
Character 6 = Function
Character 7 = Qualifier

In extracorporeal assistance and performance procedures, equipment outside the body is used to assist or perform a physiological function. Extracorporeal assistance and performance procedure codes have a first character value of “5”. The second character value for body system is physiological systems.

There are three root operations in the extracorporeal assistance and performance section, as defined below:

• Assistance: Taking over a portion of a physiological function by extracorporeal
means
• Performance: Completely taking over a physiological function by extracorporeal
means
• Restoration: Returning, or attempting to return, a physiological function to its
original state by extracorporeal means

The root operation Restoration contains a single procedure code that identifies extracorporeal cardioversion. The fourth character specifies the body system (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) to which extracorporeal assistance or performance is applied. The fifth character specifies the duration of the procedure, i.e., single, intermittent, continuous. For respiratory ventilation assistance or performance, the duration is specified in hours, i.e., <24 hours, 24-96 hours or >96 hours. The sixth character specifies the physiological function assisted or performed (e.g., oxygenation, ventilation) during
the procedure. The seventh character qualifier specifies the type of equipment used, if any.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Extracorporeal Therapies Section

The seven characters in the extracorporeal therapies section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Physiological System
Character 3 = Root Operation
Character 4 = Body System
Character 5 = Duration
Character 6 = Qualifier
Character 7 = Qualifier

In extracorporeal therapy, equipment outside the body is used for a therapeutic purpose that does not involve the assistance or performance of a physiological function. Extracorporeal therapy procedure codes have a first character value of “6”. The second character value for body system is physiological systems.

There are ten root operations in the extracorporeal therapy section, as defined below.

• Phototherapy: Extracorporeal treatment by light rays
• Atmospheric Control: Extracorporeal control of atmospheric pressure and
composition
• Decompression: Extracorporeal elimination of undissolved gas from body fluids
• Electromagnetic Therapy: Extracorporeal treatment by electromagnetic rays
• Hyperthermia: Extracorporeal raising of body temperature
• Hypothermia: Extracorporeal lowering of body temperature
• Pheresis: Extracorporeal separation of blood products
• Ultrasound Therapy: Extracorporeal treatment by ultrasound
• Ultraviolet light Therapy: Extracorporeal treatment by ultraviolet light
• Shock Wave Therapy: Extracorporeal treatment by shock waves

The fourth character specifies the body system on which the extracorporeal therapy is performed (e.g., skin, circulatory). The fifth character specifies the duration of the procedure (e.g., single or intermittent). The sixth character is not specified for extracorporeal therapies, and always has the value No Qualifier. The seventh character qualifier is used in the root operation Pheresis to specify the blood component on which pheresis is performed.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Osteopathic Section

The seven characters in the osteopathic section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Anatomical Region
Character 3 = Root Operation
Character 4 = Body Region
Character 5 = Approach
Character 6 = Method
Character 7 = Qualifier

Osteopathic procedure codes have a first character value of “7”. The body system character contains the value anatomical regions.

There is only one root operation in the osteopathic section.

Treatment: Manual treatment to eliminate or alleviate somatic dysfunction and
related disorders

The fourth character specifies the body region on which the osteopathic manipulation is performed. The approach for osteopathic manipulations is always External. The sixth character specifies the method by which the manipulation is accomplished. The seventh character is not specified in the osteopathic section and always has the value No Qualifier.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Other Procedures Section

The seven characters in the other procedures section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Body System
Character 3 = Root Operation
Character 4 = Body Region
Character 5 = Approach
Character 6 = Method
Character 7 = Qualifier

The other procedures section includes acupuncture, suture removal and in vitro fertilization. Codes in this section have a first character value of “8”. The second character value for body system is physiological systems and anatomical regions.

The other procedures section has only one root operation, defined as follows:

• Other Procedures: Methodologies which attempt to remediate or cure a disorder
or disease.

The fourth character contains specified body region values, and also the body region value none for extracorporeal procedures. Approaches included are percutaneous and external. The sixth character specifies the method (e.g., acupuncture, robotic assisted procedure). The seventh character is a qualifier, and contains specific values as needed.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Chiropractic Section

The seven characters in the chiropractic section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Anatomical Region
Character 3 = Root Operation
Character 4 = Body Region
Character 5 = Approach
Character 6 = Method
Character 7 = Qualifier

Chiropractic section procedure codes have a first character value of “9”. The second character value for body system is anatomical regions. There is only one root operation in the chiropractic section.

• Manipulation: Manual procedure that involves a directed thrust to move a joint past the physiological range of motion, without exceeding the anatomical limit

The fourth character specifies the body region on which the chiropractic manipulation is
performed. The approach for chiropractic manipulation is always External. The sixth character is the method by which the manipulation is accomplished. The seventh character is not specified in the chiropractic section, and always has the value No Qualifier.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Imaging Section

The seven characters in the imaging section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Body System
Character 3 = Root Type
Character 4 = Body Part
Character 5 = Contrast
Character 6 = Qualifier
Character 7 = Qualifier

Imaging procedure codes have a first character value of “B”. Imaging section codes represent procedures including plain radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and ultrasound. Nuclear medicine procedure codes, including PET, uptakes, and scans, are in the nuclear medicine section. Therapeutic radiation procedure codes are in a separate radiation oncology section.

In the imaging section, the second character defines the body system and the fourth character defines the body part. The third character defines the root type of imaging procedure (e.g, MRI, ultrasound). Table 7 contains the list of all types in the imaging section, with a definition of each type.

Imaging Root Type Definitions

Plain Radiography Planar display of an image developed from the capture of external ionizing radiation on photographic or photoconductive plate

Fluoroscopy Single plane or bi-plane real time display of an image developed from the capture of external ionizing radiation on fluorescent screen. The image may also be stored by either digital or analog means

Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) Computer-reformatted digital display of multiplanar images developed from the capture of multiple exposures of external ionizing radiation

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Computer reformatted digital display of multiplanar images developed from the capture of radio frequency signals emitted by nuclei in a body site excited within a magnetic field

Ultrasonography Real time display of images of anatomy or flow information developed from the capture of reflected and attenuated high frequency sound waves

The fifth character specifies whether the contrast material used in the imaging procedure is high or low osmolar, when applicable. The sixth character qualifier provides further detail as needed, such as unenhanced followed by enhanced. The seventh character qualifier contains specific values as needed to further specify the objective of the imaging procedure, e.g., densitometry, or the approach used, e.g., intravascular

Lori · May 4, 2022

Nuclear Medicine Section

The seven characters in the nuclear medicine section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Body System
Character 3 = Root Type
Character 4 = Body Part
Character 5 = Radionuclide
Character 6 = Qualifier
Character 7 = Qualifier

Nuclear medicine section codes represent procedures that introduce radioactive material into the body in order to create an image, to diagnose and treat pathologic conditions, or to assess metabolic functions. The nuclear medicine section does not include the introduction of encapsulated radioactive material for the treatment of cancer. These procedures are included in the radiation oncology section. Nuclear medicine procedure
codes have a first character value of “C”. The second character specifies the body system on which the nuclear medicine procedure is performed. The third character root type indicates the type of nuclear medicine procedure (e.g., planar imaging or non-imaging uptake). Table 8 lists the root types of nuclear medicine procedures, with a definition of each type.

Nuclear Medicine Root Type Definitions

Planar Imaging Introduction of radioactive materials into the body for single plane display of images developed from the capture of radioactive emissions

Tomographic (Tomo) Imaging Introduction of radioactive materials into the body for three dimensional display of images developed from the capture of radioactive emissions

Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging Introduction of radioactive materials into the body for three dimensional display of images developed from the simultaneous capture, 180 degrees apart, of radioactive emissions

Nonimaging Uptake Introduction of radioactive materials into the body for measurements of organ function, from the detection of radioactive emissions

Nonimaging Probe Introduction of radioactive materials into the body for the study of distribution and fate of certain substances by the detection of radioactive emissions; or, alternatively, measurement of absorption of radioactive emissions from an external source

Nonimaging Assay Introduction of radioactive materials into the body for the study of body fluids and blood elements, by the detection of radioactive emissions

Systemic Therapy Introduction of unsealed radioactive materials into the body for treatment

The fourth character indicates the body part or body region studied. Regional (e.g., lower extremity veins) and combination (e.g., liver and spleen) body part values are used in this section. The fifth character specifies the radionuclide, the radiation source. The fifth character value Other Radionuclide is provided in the nuclear medicine section for newly approved radionuclides until they can be added to the system. The sixth and seventh characters are not specified in the nuclear medicine section, and always have the value None. If more than one radiopharmaceutical is used to perform the procedure, then more than one code is used.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Radiation Oncology Section

The seven characters in the radiation oncology section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Body System
Character 3 = Root Type
Character 4 = Body Part
Character 5 = Modality Qualifier
Character 6 = Isotope
Character 7 = Qualifier

Radiation oncology procedure codes have a first character value of “D”. The second character specifies the body system (e.g., central nervous, musculoskeletal) irradiated. The third character root type specifies the general modality used (e.g., beam radiation) and the fifth character further specifies the radiation modality used (e.g., photons, electrons). The fourth character specifies the body part that is the focus of the radiation
therapy. The sixth character specifies the isotopes introduced into the body, if applicable, or whether the beam used is a gamma beam or other photon. The seventh character is not specified in the radiation oncology section, and always has the value None.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Physical Rehabilitation and Diagnostic Audiology Section

The seven characters in the physical rehabilitation and diagnostic audiology section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Section Qualifier
Character 3 = Root Type
Character 4 = Body System & Region
Character 5 = Type Qualifier
Character 6 = Equipment
Character 7 = Qualifier

Physical rehabilitation section codes represent procedures including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology. Osteopathic procedures and chiropractic procedures are in sections 7 and 9 respectively. Physical rehabilitation and diagnostic audiology procedure codes have a first character value of “F”. The second character specifies the section qualifier Rehabilitation or Diagnostic Audiology. The third
character specifies the root type.

There are 14 different root type values, which can be classified into four basic categories of rehabilitation and diagnostic audiology procedures, defined as follows:

• Treatment: Use of specific activities or methods to develop, improve and/or restore the performance of necessary functions, compensate for dysfunction and/or minimize debilitation
• Assessment: Includes a determination of the patient’s diagnosis when appropriate, need for treatment, planning for treatment, periodic assessment and documentation related to these activities
• Fitting(s): Design, fabrication, modification, selection and/or application of splint, orthosis, prosthesis, hearing aids and/or other rehabilitation device
• Caregiver Training: Educating caregiver with the skills and knowledge used to interact with and assist the patient

The root type Treatment includes training as well as activities which restore function. The fourth character specifies the body region and/or system on which the procedure is performed. The fifth character is a type qualifier that further specifies the procedure performed. Examples include therapy to improve the range of motion and training for bathing techniques. The sixth character specifies the equipment used.
Specific equipment is not defined in the equipment value. Instead, broad categories of equipment are specified (e.g., aerobic endurance and conditioning, assistive/ adaptive/supportive, etc.) The seventh character is not specified in the rehabilitation and diagnostic audiology section, and always has the value None.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Mental Health Section

The seven characters in the mental health section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Body System
Character 3 = Root Type
Character 4 = Type Qualifier
Character 5 = Qualifier
Character 6 = Qualifier
Character 7 = Qualifier

Mental Health procedure codes have a first character value of “G”. The second character is used to identify the body system elsewhere in ICD-10-PCS. Because body system does not apply in this section, the second character always has the value None. The third character specifies the root type, such as crisis intervention or counseling. The fourth character is a type qualifier (e.g., to indicate that counseling was educational or
vocational). The fifth, sixth and seventh characters are not specified and always have the value None.

Lori · May 4, 2022

Substance Abuse Treatment Section

The seven characters in the substance abuse treatment section have the following meaning:

Character 1 = Section
Character 2 = Body System
Character 3 = Root Type
Character 4 = Type Qualifier
Character 5 = Qualifier
Character 6 = Qualifier
Character 7 = Qualifier

Substance abuse treatment codes have a first character value of “H”. The second character is used to identify the body system elsewhere in ICD-10-PCS. Because body system does not apply in this section, the second character always has the value None. The third character specifies the root type. Examples include detoxification services and individual counseling. The fourth character is a type qualifier that further specifies the procedure type. The individual counseling procedure further specified in the fourth character includes the values Cognitive Behavioral, 12-step, and Interpersonal. The fifth, sixth and seventh characters are not specified and always have the value None.

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Alteration	Division	Inspection	Reposition
Bypass	Drainage	Map	Resection
Change	Excision	Occlusion	Restriction
Control	Extirpation	Reattachment	Revision
Creation	Extraction	Release	Supplement
Destruction	Fragmentation	Removal	Transfer
Detachment	Fusion	Repair	Transplantation
Dilation	Insertion	Replacement