Explain what a dash means when it appears at the end of an ...

[jenna1]

Explain what a dash means when it appears at the end of an ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why is the higher level of specificity that is possible using ICD-10-CM codes important?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[scikid]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A dash appears at the end of an entry to indicate that additional characters are required (the code is not complete as shown).

Answer to Question 2

Answer: The higher level of specificity and additional detail in the codes allows for greater accuracy in coding, provides more and better data for use in healthcare quality measurement, improves the ability to track and respond to international public health threats, and makes it easier to be in compliance with HIPAA electronic transaction and code set requirements.

[jenna1]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[bblaney]

Excellent