What is the correct format for ICD-10-CM codes?

The proper format for ICD-10-CM codes is that they contain between 3 and 7 characters. This structure allows for flexibility and specificity, accommodating a wide range of diagnoses with varying levels of detail. The initial character of an ICD-10-CM code may be either a letter or a number, reflecting the coding system's complexity and variety of codes available for different conditions.

The 3-7 character range includes the possibility of including a decimal point after the third character, which adds specificity by breaking down the code into additional detail. However, it is crucial to understand that the total length of the code still falls within 3 to 7 characters overall, so the focus on this range highlights the overall structure more than any specific use of decimals or character types. Each ICD-10-CM code is constructed to provide clear and concise information about diagnoses for medical billing and record-keeping purposes, making this character range key to efficient coding practice.