Coding Notes
A device aggregation table links the specific device value to the general
device to help users determine the correct value for appropriate code
assignment or code interpretation.
The second device classification maintenance standard requires that ICD-10-PCS contain information that correlates a
specific device value used in the original root operation where
the device was placed with its more general device value used in
other root operations. 3 Example root operations that involve device placement include bypass, insertion, occlusion, and drainage. The device aggregation table was developed to capture this
information.
In a hip joint replacement procedure, the specific device value
(i.e., synthetic substitute or ceramic on ceramic) is used in the
root operation replacement. The removal of this specific device
is captured with the general device value (synthetic substitute)
with the root operation removal. The device aggregation table
links the specific device value to the general device to help users
determine the correct value for appropriate code assignment or
code interpretation.
Updates were made in various tables to the device character to
identify general device values where necessary.
Another new feature of ICD-10-PCS is the addition of the device key table. The table consists of two columns: one for the
Theresa Rihanek ( theresa.rihanek@ahima.org) is professional practice director at AHIMA.
P28-3040 Journal of AHIMA 1-2 pg 4-color ad April 2012 021712.pdf 1 2/17/12 4:50 PM
device name, including the brand or common name, and the
other for the PCS device value.
The device key includes more than 300 entries. The device key
is a valuable reference tool that will help ensure coding consistency and interpretation of ICD-10-PCS codes. ¢
Notes
1. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Partial Code
Freeze for ICD-9-CM and ICD- 10 Finalized.” www.cms.
gov/ICD9ProviderDiagnosticCodes/Downloads/Partial_
Code_Freeze.pdf.
2. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “ICD-10-
PCS FY2012 Version: FY 2012 Update Summary.” www.
cms.gov/ICD10/Downloads/pcs_whats_new_2012.pdf.
3. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “2012 ICD-
10-PCS and GEMs.” www.cms.gov/ICD10/11b15_2012_
ICD10PCS.asp.
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