Title: Root Operations Part 1
Course: Intermediate Coding and Classification Systems > Section: Module 3: Root Operations Part 1

Introduction

This week you will be using your new book: ICD-10-PCS: An Applied Approach text book from AHIMA and your INGENIX PCS code book and/or the Quantim or 3M Coding software programs.

You can also access another coding aid at: http://www.icd10data.com/ICD10PCS It would be best to review Chapters 1 and 2 and do the exercises in this textbook before going on to Chapter 3. You have already covered the basics last week so it is a review to get you familiar with your new textbook. You will be covering Chapters 1, 2 and 3 for this week focusing on Root Operations in chapter 3. Chapter 2 covers the coding guidelines again and you will be referring back to these guidelines often. Refer to page 47 Figure 2.5 for an example of an Approach Decision Tree tool. This can assist in determining the appropriate approach for a procedure. Read about dissecting an operative report at the end of the chapter to show how to pull information from the report for correct coding. Coding ICD-10-PCS requires a strong anatomy and physiology background so throughout the course and book you will need to review the body systems if needed.

Attempt the Case Studies and we will discuss some of these in our discussion forums and question and answer sessions.

Chapter 3 begins with root operations that Take out all/part or Take out solid/s fluids/ gases. There are certain root operations that comprise this area. Make sure you Read your Coding TIP’s for additional guidance throughout the text. All codes will have seven characters designated below:

- ICD-10-PCS has standardized terminology
- All portions of a root operation definition must be applicable
- Clinical documentation may not exactly match ICD-10-PCS terminology
- If necessary, the coder uses the definitions to translate the clinical documentation into ICD-10-PCS terminology
- There are 31 root operations for the medical surgical section

Course Outcomes

- Describes the basic coding steps for coding medical procedures in both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-PCS. (1)
- Interprets the basic coding guidelines established by the American Hospital Association for both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-PCS. (2)
- Converts medical documentation into both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes. (3)
- Applies the official coding guidelines to the coding of medical procedures for all body systems (circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal, urinary, blood organs, reproductive, gastrointestinal, etc.) (4)
- Compares and contrasts the differences between the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-PCS classification systems. (8)

Objectives

After completion of this module you should be able to:

- Recall the use of ICD-10-PCS for coding inpatient procedures and the use of codes from the Medical and Surgical section for these procedures.
- Identify the meaning of the seven characters in the Medical and Surgical section.
- Describe the definition of the root operation and how the root operation is determined from analyzing clinical documentation.List the root operations in the grouping that take out some or all of a body part.
- State the definition of the root operations Excision, Resection, Detachment, Destruction, and Extraction.
- Distinguish between the two root operations Excision and Resection.
- Distinguish between body part values that are generally considered as body parts and those that are subdivided within the ICD-10-PCS system.
- Define the qualifier values that are used in the root operation Detachment for the specific portion of the body part that is amputated.
- List the root operations in the grouping that takes out solids/fluids/gases from a body part.
- State the definition of the root operations Drainage, Extirpation and Fragmentation.
- List the two general types of solid matter that are involved in Extirpation and Fragmentation procedures.
- Describe the use of the qualifier value X to describe a biopsy for the Excision, Extraction and Drainage root operations.

Readings & Resources

- Chapters 1, 2, and 3
- Complete all exercises and check your answers
- Review Coding Guidelines on root operations
- Read Coding Tips