ICD-10-CM Conventions at a Glance (Cheat Sheet)

A two-page quick reference for the ICD-10-CM conventions and general coding guidelines. The key symbols, notes, and words are decoded in plain words, with the Guidelines section next to it.

WHAT'S INSIDE

• Page 1: a decoder for the X placeholder, 7th characters, NEC and NOS, other vs. unspecified, brackets, parentheses, colons, Includes and inclusion terms, code first and use additional code, code also, "and," "with," see and see also, default codes, and clinical criteria, plus Excludes1 vs. Excludes2 side by side (including when you can code both)
• Page 2: the general coding guidelines: level of detail, signs and symptoms, integral conditions, acute and chronic, combination codes, sequela, impending or threatened, same code twice, laterality, syndromes, complications of care, borderline diagnoses, unspecified codes, and multiple sites, plus what other clinicians can document, and 5 worked examples

FILE FORMAT

• One PDF, US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), 2 pages. Print it or keep it open on your screen.

HOW IT WORKS

Your download link appears right after payment and is emailed to you.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Based on the FY2027 ICD-10-CM code set and Official Guidelines (in effect October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027). Codes and section numbers change every October, so check the current year.
• This guide covers ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding only. It has no CPT procedure codes.
• Educational reference, not legal or billing advice. Payers and facilities can add their own rules.
• AAPC doesn't allow extra notes or printouts in exam code books, so this is a study aid and work reference, not an exam aid.
• Not affiliated with or endorsed by CMS, NCHS, AHA, AAPC, or AHIMA.
• Digital items generally can't be returned. If a file is missing, damaged, or different from this listing, email thedenialdesk@gmail.com and I'll help sort it out.
• Drafted with help from AI tools, then reviewed and fact-checked by a certified medical coding professional.

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