Instructions for Classifying the Underlying Cause-of-Death, ICD-10, 2025

ICD-10-Mortality Manual 2a - 2025

Instruction Manual

Part 2a

Instructions for Classifying the Underlying Cause of Death, 2025

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

SECTION I - INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLASSIFYING THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF DEATH, 2025

A. INTRODUCTION

This manual provides instructions to mortality medical coders and nosologists for coding the underlying cause of death from death certificates filed in the states. These mortality coding instructions are used by both the State vital statistics programs and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), which is the Federal agency responsible for the compilation of U.S. statistics on causes of death. NCHS is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In coding causes of death, NCHS adheres to the World Health Organization Nomenclature Regulations specified in the most recent revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). NCHS also uses the ICD international rules for selecting the underlying cause of death for primary mortality tabulation in accordance with the international rules.

Beginning with deaths occurring in 1999, the Tenth Revision of the ICD (ICD-10) is being used for coding and classifying causes of death. This revision of the Classification is published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and consists of three volumes. Volume 1 contains a list of three-character categories, the tabular list of inclusions and the four-character subcategories. The supplementary Z code appears in Volume 1 but is not used for classifying mortality data. Optional fifth characters are provided for certain categories and an optional independent four-character coding system is provided to classify histological varieties of neoplasms, prefixed by the letter M (for morphology) and followed by a fifth character indicating behavior. These optional codes are not used in NCHS. Volume 2 includes the international rules and notes for use in classifying and tabulating underlying cause-of-death data. Volume 3 is an alphabetical index containing a comprehensive list of terms for use in coding. Copies of these volumes may be purchased in hardcopy or on diskettes from the following address:

WHO Publications Center
49 Sheridan Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
Tel. 518-436-9686

NCHS has prepared an updated version of Volume 1 and Volume 3 to be used for both underlying and multiple cause-of-death coding. The major purpose of the updated version is to provide a single published source of code assignments including terms not indexed in Volume 3 of ICD-10. NCHS has included all non-indexed terms encountered in the coding of deaths during 1979-1994, under the Ninth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9). Due to copyright considerations, the updated Volumes 1 and 3 may not be reproduced for distribution outside of NCHS and State vital statistics agencies. With the availability of the updated Volumes 1 and 3, NCHS will discontinue publishing the Part 2e manual, Non-indexed Terms, Standard Abbreviations, and State Geographic Codes as Used in Mortality Data Classification that was first published in 1983. The list of geographic codes (Appendix C), the list of abbreviations used in medical terminology (Appendix D), and the synonymous sites list (Appendix E) are included in this publication.

ICD-10 provides for the classification of certain diagnostic statements according to two different axes - etiology or underlying disease process and manifestation or complication. Thus, there are two codes for those diagnostic statements subject to dual classification. The etiology or underlying disease process codes are marked with a dagger (†), and the manifestation or complication codes are marked with an asterisk (*) following the codes in ICD-10. NCHS does not use the asterisk codes in mortality coding. For example, cytomegaloviral pneumonia has a code marked with a dagger (B25.0†) and a different code, marked with an asterisk (J17.1*). In this example, only the dagger code (B25.0) would be used.

Major Revisions from Previous Manuals

1. Corrections have been made to clarify instructions, spelling and format throughout the manual. These changes are not specifically noted.

2. Section II, Rule F, I690-I698, (c), added example to demo that 99 years in duration block does not represent sequela.

3. Section III, Part H, 3, d, updated to reflect current terminology instead of outdated text.

4. Section III, Part K added #11 clarified that "99" in the duration block means unknown duration.

5. Appendix D, added PAD and SUPC to the list.

6. Appendix D, clarified that "99" means unknown duration when reported in the duration block.

7. Appendix G, 5, added long COVID syndrome and past COVID syndrome to the U099 list.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Other manuals available from NCHS which contain information related to coding causes of death are:

Part 2b, NCHS Instructions for Classifying Multiple Causes of Death, 2025

Part 2c, ICD-10 ACME Decision Tables for Classifying Underlying Causes of Death, 2025

Part 2k, Instructions for the Automated Classification of the Initiating and Multiple Causes of Fetal Death, 2025

Part 2s, SuperMICAR Data Entry Instruction, 2011

B. MEDICAL CERTIFICATION

The U. S. Standard Certificate of Death provides spaces for the certifying physician, coroner, or medical examiner to record pertinent information concerning the diseases, morbid conditions, and injuries which either resulted in or contributed to death as well as the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced any such injuries. The medical certification portion of the death certificate is designed to obtain the opinion of the certifier as to the relationship and relative significance of the causes which he reports.

A cause of death is the morbid condition or disease process, abnormality, injury, or poisoning leading directly or indirectly to death. The underlying cause of death is the disease or injury which initiated the train of morbid events leading directly or indirectly to death or the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced the fatal injury. A death often results from the combined effect of two or more conditions. These conditions may be completely unrelated, arising independently of each other or they may be causally related to each other, that is, one cause may lead to another which in turn leads to a third cause, etc.

The order in which the certifier is requested to arrange the causes of death upon the certification form facilitates the selection of the underlying cause when two or more causes are reported. He is requested to report in Part I on line (a) the immediate cause of death and the antecedent conditions on lines (b), (c) and (d) which gave rise to the cause reported on line (a), the underlying cause being stated lowest in the sequence of events. However, no entry is necessary on I(b), I(c) or I(d) if the immediate cause of death stated on I(a) describes completely the sequence of events.

Any other significant condition which unfavorably influenced the course of the morbid process and thus contributed to the fatal outcome but was not related to the immediate cause of death is entered in Part II.

Excerpt from U.S. STANDARD CERTIFICATE OF DEATH (REV 11/2003)

U.S. Standard Certificate of Death

U.S. STANDARD CERTIFICATE OF DEATH (REV 11/2003)

U.S. Standard Certificate of Death

C. DEFINITIONS

The terms defined in this section are used throughout the manual.

A reported sequence two or more conditions on successive lines in Part I, each condition being an acceptable cause of the one on the line immediately above it.

Accident in medical care a misadventure or poisoning occurring during surgery or other medical care.

Causation table (Table D) contains address codes and subaddress codes that indicate an acceptable causal relationship (reported sequence). Table D is in Part 2c Instruction Manual.

Combination code a third code which is the result of the merging of two or more codes.

Conflict in linkage when the selected underlying cause links con-currently “with” or in “due to” position with two or more conditions.

Contributory cause any cause of death that is neither the direct, intervening, originating antecedent nor underlying is a contributory cause of death.

Direct cause of death also known as terminal cause of death, is the condition entered on line I(a) in Part I. If the certifier has entered more than one condition on line I(a), these terms apply to the first one. In the selection rules themselves, the direct cause is often referred to as the condition first entered on the certificate.

Direct sequel a condition which is documented as one of the most frequent manifestations, consequences, or complications of another condition.

“Due to” position when there are entries on more than one line in Part I with only one entity on the lowest used line in Part I, the single entity on the lowest used line is considered to be in a “due to” position of all entries entered above it. When there are entries on more than one line in Part I, each entity on the lower of two lines is considered to be in a “due to” position of each entity on the next higher line.

Entity a diagnostic term or condition entered on the certificate of death that constitutes a codable entry.

Error in medical care a misadventure or poisoning occurring during surgery or other medical care.

Further linkage another step in the linkage process which must be made to conform with the Classification after one or more linkages have been made.

Intervening cause any causes between the originating antecedent cause and the direct cause of death are called intervening causes.

Late maternal death the death of a woman from direct or indirect obstetric causes more than 42 days but less than one year after termination of pregnancy.

Maternal death the death of any woman while pregnant or within 42 days (less than 43 days) of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes.

Modification table (Table E) contains address codes and subaddress codes that are used with Selection Rule 3 and Modification Rules A, C, and D. Table E is in Part 2c Instruction Manual.

Multiple one-term entity a diagnostic entity consisting of two or more words together on a line for which the Classification does not provide a single code for the entire entity but does provide a single code for each of the components of the diagnostic entity.

One-term entity a diagnostic entity that is classifiable to a single ICD-10 code. It can be one word or more than one word.

Originating antecedent cause this term designates the condition entered on the lowest used line in Part I, or, if the certificate has not been filled out correctly, the condition that the certifier should have reported there. The originating antecedent cause is, from a medical point of view, the starting point of the train of events that eventually caused the death.

Preference code a code which has priority over other code(s) which may also qualify as a combination code.

Perinatal period the period which commences at 22 completed weeks (154 days) of gestation (the time when birth weight is normally 500 g), and ends seven (7) completed days after birth.

Properly positioned condition(s) placed in an appropriate order to form a sequence of events.

Selected underlying cause of death a condition which is chosen either temporarily or finally by the application of an international selection rule.

Sequence two or more conditions entered on successive lines of Part I, each condition being an acceptable cause of the one entered on the line above it.

Trivial condition a condition which will not of itself cause death. The trivial conditions are listed in Part 2c Instruction Manual in Table H.

TUC NCHS abbreviation for tentative underlying cause. This is the same as the originating antecedent cause.

Underlying cause of death the disease or injury which initiated the train of morbid events leading directly to death or the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced the fatal injury.

D. CREATED CODES

To facilitate automated data processing, the following ICD-10 codes have been amended for use in coding and processing the multiple cause data. Special five-character subcategories are for use in coding and processing the multiple cause data; however, they will not appear in official tabulations. When a created code is selected as the underlying cause it must be converted to its official ICD-10 code using Appendix B.

A169 Respiratory tuberculosis, unspecified

Excludes: Any term indexed to A169 not qualified as respiratory or pulmonary (A1690)

*A1690 Tuberculosis NOS

Includes: Any term indexed to A169 not qualified as respiratory or pulmonary

E039 Hypothyroidism, unspecified

Excludes: Any term indexed to E039 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier (E0390)

*E0390 Advanced hypothyroidism

Grave hypothyroidism

Severe hypothyroidism

Includes: Any term indexed to E039 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier

G122 Motor neuron disease

Excludes: Any term indexed to G122 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier (G1220)

*G1220 Advanced motor neuron disease

Grave motor neuron disease

Severe motor neuron disease

Includes: Any term indexed to G122 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier

G20 Parkinson disease

Excludes: Any term indexed to G20 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier (G2000)

*G2000 Advanced Parkinson disease

Grave Parkinson disease

Severe Parkinson disease

Includes: Any term indexed to G20 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier

I219 Acute myocardial infarction, unspecified

Excludes: Embolism of any site classified to I219

*I2190 Embolism cardiac, heart, myocardium or a synonymous site

Includes: Embolism of any site classified to I219

I420 Dilated cardiomyopathy

Excludes: Any term indexed to I420 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary (I4200)

*I4200 Familial dilated cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Primary dilated cardiomyopathy

Includes: Any term indexed to I420 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary

I421 Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Excludes: Any term indexed to I421 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary (I4210)

*I4210 Familial obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Primary obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Includes: Any term indexed to I421 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary

I422 Other hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Excludes: Any term indexed to I422 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary (I4220)

*I4220 Familial other hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic other hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Primary other hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Includes: Any term indexed to I422 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary

I425 Other restrictive cardiomyopathy

Excludes: Any term indexed to I425 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary (I4250)

*I4250 Familial other restrictive cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic other restrictive cardiomyopathy

Primary other restrictive cardiomyopathy

Includes: Any term indexed to I425 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary

I428 Other cardiomyopathies

Excludes: Any term indexed to I428 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary (I4280)

*I4280 Familial other cardiomyopathies

Idiopathic other cardiomyopathies

Primary other cardiomyopathies

Includes: Any term indexed to I428 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary

I429 Cardiomyopathy, unspecified

Excludes: Any term indexed to I429 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary (I4290)

*I4290 Familial cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic cardiomyopathy

Primary cardiomyopathy

Includes: Any term indexed to I429 qualified as familial, idiopathic, or primary

I500 Congestive heart failure

Excludes: Any term indexed to I500 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier (I5000)

*I5000 Advanced congestive heart failure

Grave congestive heart failure

Severe congestive heart failure

Includes: Any term indexed to I500 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier

I514 Myocarditis, unspecified

Excludes: Any item indexed to I514 qualified as arteriosclerotic (I5140)

*I5140 Arteriosclerotic myocarditis

Includes: Any term indexed to I514 qualified as arteriosclerotic

I515 Myocardial degeneration

Excludes: Any term indexed to I515 qualified as arteriosclerotic (I5150)

*I5150 Arteriosclerotic myocardial degeneration

Includes: Any term indexed to I515 qualified as arteriosclerotic

I600 Subarachnoid hemorrhage from carotid siphon and bifurcation

Excludes: Ruptured carotid aneurysm (into brain) (I6000)

*I6000 Ruptured carotid aneurysm (into brain)

I606 Subarachnoid hemorrhage from other intracranial arteries

Excludes: Ruptured aneurysm (congenital) circle of Willis (I6060)

*I6060 Ruptured aneurysm (congenital) circle of Willis

I607 Subarachnoid hemorrhage from intracranial artery, unspecified

Excludes: Ruptured berry aneurysm (congenital) brain (I6070)

Ruptured miliary aneurysm (I6070)

*I6070 Ruptured berry aneurysm (congenital) brain

Ruptured miliary aneurysm

I608 Other subarachnoid hemorrhage

Excludes: Ruptured aneurysm brain meninges (I6080)

Ruptured arteriovenous aneurysm (congenital) brain (I6080)

Ruptured (congenital) arteriovenous aneurysm cavernous sinus I6080)

*I6080 Ruptured aneurysm brain meninges

Ruptured arteriovenous aneurysm (congenital) brain

Ruptured (congenital) arteriovenous aneurysm cavernous sinus

I609 Subarachnoid hemorrhage, unspecified

Excludes: Ruptured arteriosclerotic cerebral aneurysm (I6090)

Ruptured (congenital) cerebral aneurysm NOS (I6090)

Ruptured mycotic brain aneurysm (I6090)

*I6090 Ruptured arteriosclerotic cerebral aneurysm

Ruptured (congenital) cerebral aneurysm NOS

Ruptured mycotic brain aneurysm

I610 Intracerebral hemorrhage in hemisphere, subcortical

Excludes: Any term indexed to I610 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6100)

*I6100 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] intracerebral hemorrhages in hemisphere, subcortical

Includes: Any term indexed to I610 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I611 Intracerebral hemorrhage in hemisphere, cortical

Excludes: Any term indexed to I611 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6110)

*I6110 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] intracerebral hemorrhages in hemisphere, cortical

Includes: Any term indexed to I611 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I612 Intracerebral hemorrhage in hemisphere, unspecified

Excludes: Any term indexed to I612 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6120)

*I6120 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] intracerebral hemorrhages, unspecified

Includes: Any term indexed to I612 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I613 Intracerebral hemorrhage in brain stem

Excludes: Any term indexed to I613 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6130)

*I6130 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] intracerebral hemorrhages in brain stem

Includes: Any term indexed to I613 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I614 Intracerebral hemorrhage in cerebellum

Excludes: Any term indexed to I614 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6140)

*I6140 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] intracerebral hemorrhages in cerebellum

Includes: Any term indexed to I614 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I615 Intracerebral hemorrhage, intraventricular

Excludes: Any term indexed to I615 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6150)

*I6150 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] intracerebral hemorrhages, intraventricular

Includes: Any term indexed to I615 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I618 Other intracerebral hemorrhage

Excludes: Any term indexed to I618 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6180)

*I6180 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] other intracerebral hemorrhages

Includes: Any term indexed to I618 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I619 Intracerebral hemorrhage, unspecified

Excludes: Any term indexed to I619 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6190)

*I6190 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] intracerebral hemorrhages, unspecified

Includes: Any term indexed to I619 qualified bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I630 Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of precerebral arteries

Excludes: Any term indexed to I630 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6300)

*I6300 Cerebral infarction due to bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] thrombi of precerebral arteries

Includes: Any term indexed to I630 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I631 Cerebral infarction due to embolism of precerebral arteries

Excludes: Any term indexed to I631 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6310)

*I6310 Cerebral infarction due to bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] emboli of precerebral arteries

Includes: Any term indexed to I631 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I632 Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of precerebral arteries

Excludes: Any term indexed to I632 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6320)

*I6320 Cerebral infarction due to bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] unspecified occlusions or stenosis of precerebral arteries

Includes: Any term indexed to I632 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I633 Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of cerebral arteries

Excludes: Any term indexed to I633 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6330)

*I6330 Cerebral infarction due to bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] thrombi of cerebral arteries

Includes: Any term indexed to I633 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I634 Cerebral infarction due to embolism of cerebral arteries

Excludes: Any term indexed to I634 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6340)

*I6340 Cerebral infarction due to bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] emboli of cerebral arteries

Includes: Any term indexed to I634 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I635 Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of cerebral arteries

Excludes: Any term indexed to I635 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6350)

*I6350 Cerebral infarction due to bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] unspecified occlusions or stenosis of cerebral arteries

Includes: Any term indexed to I635 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I636 Cerebral infarction due to cerebral venous thrombosis, nonpyogenic

Excludes: Any term indexed to I636 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6360)

*I6360 Cerebral infarction due to bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] cerebral venous thrombi, nonpyogenic

Includes: Any term indexed to I636 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I638 Other cerebral infarction

Excludes: Any term indexed to I638 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6380)

*I6380 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] other cerebral infarctions

Includes: Any term indexed to I638 qualified bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I639 Cerebral infarction, unspecified

Excludes: Any term indexed to I639 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6390)

*I6390 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] cerebral infarctions, unspecified

Includes: Any term indexed to I639 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I64 Stroke, not specified as hemorrhage or infarction

Excludes: Any term indexed to I64 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6400)

*I6400 Bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] strokes, not specified as hemorrhage or infarction

Includes: Any term indexed to I64 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I691 Sequelae of intracerebral hemorrhage

Excludes: Any term indexed to I691 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6910)

*I6910 Sequela of bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] intracerebral hemorrhages

Includes: Any term indexed to I691 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I693 Sequelae of cerebral infarction

Excludes: Any term indexed to I693 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6930)

*I6930 Sequela of bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] cerebral infarctions

Includes: Any term indexed to I693 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

I694 Sequelae of stroke, not specified as hemorrhage or infarction

Excludes: Any term indexed to I694 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term (I6940)

*I6940 Sequela of bilateral, multiple [or ^[i]similar term] strokes, not specified as hemorrhage or infarction

Includes: Any term indexed to I694 qualified as bilateral, multiple, or ^[i]similar term

J101 Influenza with other respiratory manifestations, influenza virus identified

Excludes: Influenza, flu, grippe (viral), influenza virus identified (without specified manifestations) (J1010)

*J1010 Influenza, flu, grippe (viral), influenza virus identified (without specified manifestations)

J111 Influenza with other respiratory manifestations, virus not identified

Excludes: Influenza, flu, grippe (viral), influenza virus not identified (without specified manifestations) (J1110)

*J1110 Influenza, flu, grippe (viral), influenza virus not identified (without specified manifestations)

J849 Interstitial pulmonary disease, unspecified

Excludes: Interstitial pneumonia, not elsewhere classified (J8490)

*J8490 Interstitial pneumonia, not elsewhere classified

J984 Other disorders of lung

Excludes: Lung disease (acute) (chronic) NOS (J9840)

*J9840 Lung disease (acute) (chronic) NOS

K319 Disease of stomach and duodenum, unspecified

Excludes: Disease, stomach NOS (K3190)

Lesion, stomach NOS (K3190)

*K3190 Disease, stomach NOS

Lesion, stomach NOS

K550 Acute vascular disorders of intestine

Excludes: Any term indexed to K550 qualified as embolic (K5500)

*K5500 Acute embolic vascular disorders of intestine

Includes: Any term indexed to K550 qualified as embolic

K631 Perforation of intestine (nontraumatic)

Excludes: Intestinal penetration, unspecified part (K6310)

Intestinal perforation, unspecified part (K6310)

Intestinal rupture, unspecified part (K6310)

*K6310 Intestinal penetration, unspecified part

Intestinal perforation, unspecified part

Intestinal rupture, unspecified part

K720 Acute and subacute hepatic failure

Excludes: Acute hepatic failure (K7200)

*K7200 Acute hepatic failure

K721 Chronic hepatic failure

Excludes: Chronic hepatic failure (K7210)

*K7210 Chronic hepatic failure

K729 Hepatic failure, unspecified

Excludes: Hepatic failure (K7290)

*K7290 Hepatic failure

M199 Arthrosis, unspecified

Excludes: Any term indexed to M199 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier (M1990)

*M1990 Advanced arthrosis

Grave arthrosis

Severe arthrosis

Includes: Any term indexed to M199 qualified as advanced, grave, severe, or with a similar qualifier

Q278 Other specified congenital malformations of peripheral vascular system

Excludes: Congenital aneurysm (peripheral) (Q2780)

*Q2780 Congenital aneurysm (peripheral)

Q282 Arteriovenous malformation of cerebral vessels

Excludes: Congenital arteriovenous cerebral aneurysm (nonruptured) (Q2820)

*Q2820 Congenital arteriovenous cerebral aneurysm (nonruptured)

Q283 Other malformations of cerebral vessels

Excludes: Congenital cerebral aneurysm (nonruptured) (Q2830)

*Q2830 Congenital cerebral aneurysm (nonruptured)

R58 Hemorrhage, not elsewhere classified

Excludes: Hemorrhage of unspecified site (R5800)

*R5800 Hemorrhage of unspecified site

R99 Other ill-defined and unspecified causes of mortality

Excludes: Cause unknown (R97)

*R97 Cause unknown

SECTION II - PROCEDURES FOR SELECTION OF THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR MORTALITY TABULATION

The following are the international rules for selecting the underlying cause of death for mortality tabulation. Some examples have been omitted and additional examples and explanations presented.

When only one cause of death is reported, this cause is used for tabulation.

When more than one cause of death is recorded, the first step in selecting the underlying cause is to determine the originating antecedent cause by application of the General Principle or of Selection Rules 1, 2 and 3.

In some circumstances, the ICD allows the originating cause to be superseded by one more suitable for expressing the underlying cause in tabulation. For example, there are some categories for combinations of conditions, or there may be overriding epidemiological reasons for giving precedence to other conditions on the certificate.

The next step, therefore, is to determine whether one or more of the Modification Rules A to F, which deal with the above situations, apply. The resultant code number for tabulation is that of the underlying cause.

Where the originating antecedent cause is an injury or other effect of an external cause classified to Chapter XIX, the circumstances that gave rise to that condition should be selected as the underlying cause for tabulation and coded to V01-Y89.

Rules for selection of the originating antecedent cause

Sequence

The term “sequence” refers to two or more conditions entered on successive lines of Part I, each condition being an acceptable cause of the one entered on the line above it.

I (a) Bleeding of esophageal varices

(b) Portal hypertension

(d) Hepatitis B

If there is more than one cause of death on a line of the certificate, it is possible to have more than one reported sequence. In the following example, four sequences are reported:

I (a) Coma

(b) Myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident

The sequences are:

coma due to myocardial infarction due to atherosclerosis

coma due to cerebrovascular accident due to atherosclerosis

coma due to myocardial infarction due to hypertension

coma due to cerebrovascular accident due to hypertension

General Principle

The General Principle states that when more than one condition is entered on the certificate, the condition entered alone on the lowest used line of Part I should be selected only if it could have given rise to all the conditions entered above it.

Selection Rules:

Rule 1. If the General Principle does not apply and there is a reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate, select the originating cause of this sequence. If there is more than one sequence terminating in the condition mentioned first, select the originating cause of the first-mentioned sequence.

Rule 2. If there is no reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate, select this first-mentioned condition.

Rule 3. If the condition selected by the General Principle or by Rule l or Rule 2 is obviously a direct consequence of another reported condition, whether in Part I or Part II, select this primary condition.

Some considerations on selection rules:

In a properly completed certificate, the originating antecedent cause will have been entered alone on the lowest used line of Part I and the conditions, if any, that arose as a consequence of this initial cause will have been entered above it, one condition to a line in ascending causal order.

I (a) Uremia

(b) Hydronephrosis

(d) Hypertrophy of prostate

I (a) Bronchopneumonia

(b) Chronic bronchitis

II Chronic myocarditis

In a properly completed certificate the General Principle will apply. However, even if the certificate has not been properly completed, the General Principle may still apply provided that the condition entered alone on the lowest used line of Part I could have given rise to all the conditions above it, even though the conditions entered above it have not been entered in the correct causal order.

I (a) Generalized metastases 5 weeks

(b) Bronchopneumonia 3 days

The General Principle does not apply when more than one condition has been entered on the lowest used line of Part I, or if the single condition entered could not have given rise to all the conditions entered above it. Guidance on the acceptability of different sequences is given at the end of the rules, but it should be borne in mind that the medical certifier’s statement reflects an informed opinion about the conditions leading to death and about their interrelationships, and should not be disregarded lightly.

Where the General Principle cannot be applied, clarification of the certificate should be sought from the certifier whenever possible, since the selection rules are somewhat arbitrary and may not always lead to a satisfactory selection of the underlying cause. Where further clarification cannot be obtained, however, the selection rules must be applied. Rule l is applicable only if there is a reported sequence, terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate. If such a sequence is not found, Rule 2 applies and the first-entered condition is selected.

The condition selected by the above rules may, however, be an obvious consequence of another condition that was not reported in a correct causal relationship with it; e.g., in Part II or on the same line in Part I. If so, Rule 3 applies and the originating primary condition is selected. It applies, however, only when there is no doubt about the causal relationship between the two conditions; it is not sufficient that a causal relationship between them would have been accepted if the certifier had reported it.

Examples of the General Principle and Selection Rules

General Principle

When more than one condition is entered on the certificate, select the condition entered alone on the lowest used line of Part I only if it could have given rise to all the conditions entered above it.

Interpretations and Examples

The General Principle is the rule under which the certifier’s report is accepted using the following criteria in the order stated:

A. One condition is entered on the lowest used line and all the conditions entered above it must be entered in a “reported sequence” and there must be only one condition per line.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral hemorrhage 1 mo I619

(b) Nephritis 6 mos N059

Select cirrhosis of liver. This is a reported sequence. Each condition on the successive lines in Part I is an acceptable cause of the one entered on the line above it. The sequence is cerebral hemorrhage due to nephritis due to cirrhosis of liver.

B. Or it must be probable that the condition reported alone on the lowest used line could have given rise to all the conditions entered above it.

Codes for Record

I (a) Apoplexy with pneumonia 8 days I64 J189

(b)

II Myocarditis I514

Select diabetes. Diabetes can give rise to both conditions reported on I(a). Apoplexy is due to diabetes and pneumonia is due to diabetes.

Codes for Record

I (a) Congestive heart failure 1 yr I500

(b) Cerebral hemorrhage 2 days I619

II Large bowel obstruction K566

Select chronic alcoholism. It is not necessary for the conditions on (a) and (b) to be causally related since the condition entered alone on (c) can give rise to both conditions. Congestive heart failure is due to chronic alcoholism and cerebral hemorrhage is due to chronic alcoholism.

Rule 1. Reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate

If the General Principle does not apply and there is a reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate, select the originating cause of this sequence. If there is more than one sequence terminating in the condition mentioned first, select the originating cause of the first-mentioned sequence.

Interpretations and Examples

Codes for Record

I (a) Pulmonary embolism I269

(b) Arteriosclerotic heart disease I251

Select arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD). The General Principle is not applicable because influenza cannot cause ASHD. The reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate is pulmonary embolism due to arteriosclerotic heart disease.

Codes for Record

I (a) Bronchopneumonia J180

(b) Cerebral infarction and

hypertensive heart disease I639 I119

Select cerebral infarction. The General Principle is not applicable since there are two conditions on the lowest used line in Part I. There are two reported sequences terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate; bronchopneumonia due to cerebral infarction, and bronchopneumonia due to hypertensive heart disease. The originating cause of the first-mentioned sequence is selected.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral hemorrhage & hypostatic I619 J182

(b) pneumonia

Select diabetes. The General Principle is not applicable since there are two conditions on the lowest used line. Cerebral hemorrhage is not due to prostate hypertrophy; therefore, diabetes is selected by Rule 1.

Rule 2. No reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate

If there is no reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate, select this first-mentioned condition.

Interpretations and Examples

Codes for Record

I (a) Pernicious anemia and

gangrene of foot D510 R02

(b) Atherosclerosis I709

Select pernicious anemia. Neither the General Principle nor Rule 1 is applicable. Pernicious anemia due to atherosclerosis is not an acceptable sequence. There is a reported sequence, gangrene of foot due to atherosclerosis, but does not terminate in the condition first entered on the certificate.

Codes for Record

I (a) Rheumatic and atherosclerotic

heart disease I099 I251

Select rheumatic heart disease. There is no reported sequence; both conditions are on the same line.

Codes for Record

I (a) Coronary occlusion I219

(b) Cerebrovascular disease I679

Select coronary occlusion. Neither the General Principle nor Rule 1 is applicable. Since cerebrovascular disease is an unacceptable cause of coronary occlusion, or any other ischemic heart disease, there is no reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate.

Rule 3. Direct sequel

If the condition selected by the General Principle or by Rule l or Rule 2 is obviously a direct consequence of another reported condition, whether in Part I or Part II, select this primary condition.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used to identify different types of direct sequel code relationships:

DS: (Direct sequel) When the tentative underlying cause is considered a direct sequel of another condition on the certificate in Part I (must be on same or lower line as tentative underlying cause) or Part II, and the code for the other condition is preferred over the code for the tentative underlying cause.

DSC: (Direct sequel combination) When the tentative underlying cause is considered a direct sequel of another condition on the certificate in Part I (must be on same or lower line as tentative underlying cause) or Part II, and the codes for the tentative underlying cause and the other condition combine into a third code.

Assumed direct consequences of another condition

Kaposi sarcoma, Burkitt tumor and any other malignant neoplasm of lymphoid, hematopoietic, and related tissue, classifiable to C46.- or C81-C96, should be considered to be a direct consequence of HIV disease, where this is reported. No such assumption should be made for other types of malignant neoplasm.

Any infectious disease classifiable to A000-A310, A318-A427, A429-A599, A601-A70, A748-B001, B003-B004, B007, B009-B069, B080, B082-B085, B09-B199, B250-B279, B330-B349, B370-B49, B580-B64, B99 or J12-J18 should be considered to be a direct consequence of reported HIV disease.

Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile should be assumed to be an obvious consequence of antibiotic therapy

Heart failure (I50.-) and unspecified heart disease (I519) should be considered an obvious consequence of other heart conditions.

Oesophageal varices (I85.-) should be considered an obvious consequence of liver diseases classifiable to B18.-, K70.-, K73.-, K74.-, and K76

Pulmonary edema (J81) should be considered an obvious consequence of heart disease (including pulmonary heart disease); of conditions affecting the lung parenchyma, such as lung infections, aspiration and inhalation, respiratory distress syndrome, high altitude, and circulating toxins; of conditions causing fluid overload, such as renal failure and hypoalbuminemia; and of congenital anomalies affecting the pulmonary circulation, such as congenital stenosis of pulmonary veins.

Lobar pneumonia, unspecified (J18.1) should be considered an obvious consequence of dependence syndrome due to use of alcohol (F10.2). Pneumonia in J12-J18 should be considered an obvious consequence of conditions that impair the immune system. Pneumonia in J150-J156, J158-J159, J168, J180 and J182-J189 should be assumed to be an obvious consequence of wasting diseases (such as malignant neoplasm and malnutrition) and diseases causing paralysis (such as cerebral hemorrhage or thrombosis), as well as serious respiratory conditions, communicable diseases, and serious injuries. Pneumonia in J150-J156, J158-J159, J168, J180, J182-J189, J690, and J698 should be considered an obvious consequence of conditions that affect the process of swallowing. Pneumonia in J18.- (except lobar pneumonia) reported with immobility or reduced mobility should be coded to J18.2.

Other common secondary conditions (such as pulmonary embolism, decubitus ulcer, and cystitis) should be considered an obvious consequence of wasting diseases (such as malignant neoplasm and malnutrition) and diseases causing paralysis (such as cerebral hemorrhage or thrombosis) as well as communicable diseases, and serious injuries. However, such secondary conditions should not be considered an obvious consequence of respiratory conditions.

Acidosis (E87.2); Other specified metabolic disorders (E88.8); Other mononeuropathies (G58.-); Polyneuropathy, unspecified (G62.9); Other disorders of peripheral nervous system (G64); amyotrophy not otherwise specified in Other primary disorders of muscles (G71.8), Disorder of autonomic nervous system, unspecified (G90.9), and Neuralgia and neuritis, unspecified (M79.2); Iridocyclitis (H20.9); Cataract, unspecified (H26.9); Chorioretinal inflammation, unspecified (H30.9); Retinal vascular occlusions (H34); Background retinopathy and retinal vascular changes (H35.0); Other proliferative retinopathy (H35.2); Retinal haemorrhage (H35.6); Retinal disorder, unspecified (H35.9); Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified (I73.9); Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities (I70.2); Arthritis, unspecified (M13.9); Nephrotic syndrome (N03- N05); Chronic kidney disease (N18.-); Unspecified kidney failure (N19); Unspecified contracted kidney (N26); renal disease in Disorder of kidney and ureter, unspecified (N28.9) and Persistent proteinuria, unspecified (N39.1); Gangrene, not elsewhere classified (R02); Coma, unspecified (R40.2); and Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry (R79.8) for acetonemia, azotemia, and related conditions should be considered an obvious consequence of Diabetes mellitus (E10-E14).

Embolism (any site) or any disease described or qualified as “embolic” may be assumed to be a direct consequence of venous thrombosis, phlebitis or thrombophlebitis, valvular heart disease, childbirth or any operation. However, there must be a clear route from the place where the thrombus formed and the place of the embolism. Thus, venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis may cause pulmonary embolism. Thrombi that form in the left side of the heart (for example on mitral or aortic valves), or are due to atrial fibrillations, may cause embolism to the arteries of the body circulation. Similarly, thrombi that form around the right side heart valves (tricuspid and pulmonary valves) may give rise to embolism in the pulmonary arteries. Also, thrombi that form in the left side of the heart could pass to the right side if a cardiac septal defect is present.

Arterial embolism in the systemic circulation should be considered an obvious consequence of atrial fibrillation. When pulmonary embolism is reported due to atrial fibrillation, the sequence should be accepted. However, pulmonary embolism should not be considered an obvious consequence of atrial fibrillation.

Unspecified dementia (F03) and Alzheimer disease (G30.-) should be considered an obvious consequence of Down syndrome (Q90 .-).

Dementia without a mention of specified cause, should be considered a consequence of conditions that typically involve irreversible brain damage. However, when a specified cause is given, only a condition that may lead to irreversible brain damage should be accepted as cause of the dementia, even if irreversible brain damage is not a typical feature of the condition.

Any disease described as secondary should be assumed to be a direct consequence of the most probable primary cause entered on the certificate.

Secondary or unspecified anemia, malnutrition, marasmus or cachexia may be assumed to be a consequence of any malignant neoplasm, paralytic disease, or disease which limits the ability to care for oneself, including dementia and degenerative diseases of the nervous system.

Any pyelonephritis may be assumed to be a consequence of urinary obstruction from conditions such as hyperplasia of prostate or ureteral stenosis.

Nephritic syndrome may be assumed to be a consequence of any streptococcal infection (scarlet fever, streptococcal sore throat, etc).

Acute renal failure should be assumed as an obvious consequence of a urinary tract infection, provided that there is no indication that the renal failure was present before the urinary tract infection.

Dehydration should be considered an obvious consequence of any intestinal infectious disease.

Primary atelectasis of newborn (P28.0) should be considered an obvious consequence of congenital kidney conditions (Q60, Q61.0-Q61.1, Q61.3-Q61.9, Q62.1, Q62.3, Q62.4), premature rupture of membranes (P01.1), and oligohydramnios (P01.2).

Fetus and newborn affected by premature rupture of membranes or oligohydramnios (P01.1-P01.2) should be assumed to be a direct consequence of congenital kidney conditions (Q60, Q61.0-Q61.1, Q61.3-Q61.9, Q62.1, Q62.3, Q62.4).

An operation on a given organ should be considered a direct consequence of any surgical condition (such as malignant tumor or injury) of the same organ reported anywhere on the certificate.

Hemorrhage should be considered an obvious consequence of anticoagulant poisoning or overdose. However, hemorrhage should not be considered an obvious consequence of anticoagulant therapy without mention of poisoning or overdose. Gastric hemorrhage should be considered an obvious consequence of steroid, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Mental Retardation should be considered an obvious consequence of perinatal conditions in P00-P04 (Fetus and newborn affected by maternal factors and by complications of pregnancy, labor and delivery), P05 (Slow fetal growth and fetal malnutrition), P07 (Disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight, not elsewhere classified), P10 (Intracranial laceration and hemorrhage due to birth injury), P11.0 (Cerebral edema due to birth injury), P11.1 (Other specified brain damage due to birth injury), P11.2 (Unspecified brain damage due to birth injury), P11.9 (Birth injury to central nervous system, unspecified), P15.9 (Birth injury, unspecified), P20 (Intrauterine hypoxia), P21 (Birth asphyxia), P35 (Congenital viral disease), P37 (Other congenital infectious and parasitic diseases), P52 (Intracranial nontraumatic hemorrhage of fetus and newborn), P57 (Kernicterus), P90 (Convulsions of newborn) and P91 (Other disturbances of cerebral status of newborn).

Interpretations and examples

Rule 3 is applicable when the condition selected by the General Principle, Rule 1, or Rule 2 is obviously the result of another condition reported on the same line, on a lower line in Part I, or in Part II. It applies only when there is no doubt about the causal relationship between the two conditions; it is not sufficient that a causal relationship between them would have been accepted if the certifier had reported it. If the selected cause is considered a direct sequel of two or more conditions on the record, the priority order for re-selection is from left to right, (1) on the same line, (2) on a lower line in Part I, and (3) in Part II. Conditions reported above the selected cause are not considered in the application of Rule 3.

For assistance in determining whether a selected condition is a direct sequel of another, refer to Part 2c, ICD-10 ACME Decision Tables for Classifying Underlying Causes of Death, 2025 . The symbol “DS” identifies Direct Sequel, and the symbol “DSC” identifies Direct Sequel Combination.

Codes for Record

I (a) Bronchopneumonia J180

(b) Congestive heart failure and I500 I050

Select mitral stenosis. Congestive heart failure, selected by Rule 1, is considered a direct sequel of mitral stenosis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Gastric hemorrhage K922

(c)

II Gastric ulcer K259

Select gastric ulcer, chronic or unspecified with hemorrhage (K254). The hemorrhage is considered a direct sequel (DSC) of the gastric ulcer and combines gastric ulcer with gastric hemorrhage.

Complications of surgery

Certain conditions that are common postoperative complications can be considered as direct sequels to an operation unless the surgery is stated to have occurred 28 days or more before death. Use Rule 3 for the complications listed below:

Acute kidney injury

Acute renal failure

Aspiration

Atelectasis

Bacteremia

Cardiac arrest (any I469)

Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC)

Embolism (any site)

Gas gangrene

Hemolysis, hemolytic infection

Hemorrhage NOS

Infarction (any site)

Infection NOS

Occlusion (any site)

Phlebitis (any site)

Phlebothrombosis (any site)

Pneumonia (J120-J168, J180-J189, J690, J698)

Pneumothorax

Pulmonary insufficiency

Renal failure (acute) NOS

Septicemia (any A400-A419)

Shock (R570-R579)

Thrombophlebitis (any site)

Thrombosis (any site)

Consider Peritonitis or Intestinal obstruction (K560-K567) to be a direct sequel of abdominal or pelvic surgery unless surgery is stated to have occurred 28 days or more before death.

Consider Hemorrhage of a site or Fistula of site(s) to be a direct sequel of surgery of same site or region unless surgery is stated to have occurred 28 days or more before death.

Consider Adhesions to be a direct sequel of surgery regardless of date of surgery.

Codes for Record

I (a) Mesenteric thrombosis K918

(b)

(c)

II Colectomy for cancer of sigmoid Y836 C187

Code to cancer of sigmoid (C187). Thrombosis is a common post-operative complication and the surgery is not stated to have occurred 28 days or more before death.

Codes for Record

I (a) Coronary thrombosis I219

(b)

(c)

II Removal of gallbladder (gallstones)
2 months ago K802

Code to coronary thrombosis (I219). The operation is stated to have occurred more than 28 days before death.

Codes for Record

I (a) Renal failure N19

(b)

II Surgery - for diverticulitis Y839 K579

Code to diverticulitis K579, the condition necessitating surgery.

Modification of the selected cause

The selected cause of death is not necessarily the most useful and informative condition for tabulation. For example, if senility or some generalized disease such as hypertension or atherosclerosis has been selected, this is less useful than if a manifestation or result of aging or disease had been chosen. It may sometimes be necessary to modify the selection to conform with the requirements of the Classification, either for a single code for two or more causes jointly reported or for preference for a particular cause when reported with certain other conditions.

The modification rules that follow are intended to improve the usefulness and precision of mortality data and should be applied after selection of the originating antecedent cause. The interrelated processes of selection and modification have been separated for clarity.

Some of the modification rules require further application of the selection rules, which will not be difficult for experienced coders, but it is important to go through the process of selection, modification and, if necessary, re-selection.

After application of the modification rules (A-F), selection Rule 3 should be reapplied.

The modification rules

Rule A. Senility and other ill-defined conditions

Rule B. Trivial conditions

Rule C. Linkage

Rule D. Specificity

Rule E. Early and late stages of disease

Rule F. Sequela

Rule A. Senility and other ill-defined conditions

Where the selected cause is ill-defined and a condition classified elsewhere is reported on the certificate, reselect the cause of death as if the ill-defined condition had not been reported, except to take account of that condition if it modifies the coding.

The following conditions are regarded as ill-defined:

I461 (Sudden cardiac death, so described)

I469 (Cardiac arrest, unspecified)

I959 (Hypotension, unspecified)

I99 (Other and unspecified disorders of circulatory system)

J960 (Acute respiratory failure)

J969 (Respiratory failure, unspecified)

P285 (Respiratory failure, newborn)

R00-R94 or R96-R99 (Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified). Note that R95 (Sudden infant death) is not regarded as ill-defined.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used when coding senility and other ill-defined conditions:

IDDC: (Ill-defined due to combination) When the tentative underlying cause is an ill-defined condition in the due to position to another condition, and the codes for the tentative underlying cause and the other condition combine into a third code.

SENMC: (Senility with mention of combination) When the tentative underlying cause is senility (R54), and is reported with mention of another condition on the certificate, and the codes for the tentative underlying cause and the other condition combine into a third code.

SENDC: (Senility due to combination) When the tentative underlying cause is senility (R54) and is reported in a due to position to another condition, and the codes for the tentative underlying cause and the other condition combine into a third code.

Interpretation and Examples

Codes for Record

I (a) Senility and hypostatic pneumonia R54 J182

(b) Rheumatoid arthritis M069

Code to rheumatoid arthritis (M069). Senility, selected by Rule 2, is ignored and the General Principle applied.

Codes for Record

I (a) Anemia D649

(b) Splenomegaly R161

Code to splenomegalic anemia (D648). Splenomegaly, selected by the General Principle, is ignored by Rule A. Anemia, reselected by the General Principle, is modified by the ill-defined cause. The Modification Table E entry R161 is identified as IDDC “maybe” with anemia D649. The reporting on this certificate satisfies the maybe reason defined in Table F, Reasons for Ambivalent Relationships in Modification Table, and the modification is made.

Codes for Record

I (a) Myocardial degeneration and I515 J439

(b) emphysema

Code to myocardial degeneration (I515). Senility, selected by the General Principle, is ignored and Rule 2 applied.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cough and hematemesis R05 K920

Code to hematemesis (K920). Cough, selected by Rule 2, is ignored.

Codes for Record

I (a) Terminal pneumonia J189

(b) Spreading gangrene and R02 I639

Code to cerebrovascular infarction (I639). Gangrene, selected by Rule 1, is ignored and the General Principle is applied.

Rule B. Trivial conditions

(A) Where the selected cause is a trivial condition unlikely to cause death (see Table H in the 2c ACME Decision Tables) and a more serious condition (any condition except an ill-defined or another trivial condition) is reported, reselect the underlying cause as if the trivial condition had not been reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Dental caries K029

II Diabetes E149

Code to diabetes (E149). Dental caries, selected by the General Principle, is ignored.

Codes for Record

I (a) Ingrowing toenail and

acute renal failure L600 N179

Code to acute renal failure (N179). Ingrowing toenail, selected by Rule 2, is ignored.

(B) If the death was the result of an adverse reaction to treatment of the trivial condition, select the adverse reaction.

Codes for Record

I (a) Intraoperative hemorrhage T810 Y600

(b) Tonsillectomy

Code to hemorrhage during surgical operation (Y600). Code to the adverse reaction to treatment of the hypertrophy of tonsils, selected by General Principle.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute renal failure N179

(b) Aspirin taken for Y451

Code to acute renal failure (N179), the adverse reaction to the drug taken for treatment of a trivial condition. The external cause code for the drug is not used as the underlying cause since the adverse reaction is not classifiable to Chapter XIX.

(C) When a trivial condition is reported as causing any other condition, the trivial condition is not discarded (i.e. Rule B is not applicable).

Codes for Record

I (a) Septicemia A419

(b) Impetigo L010

Code to impetigo (L010). The trivial condition selected by the General Principle is not discarded since it is reported as the cause of another condition.

Codes for Record

I (a) Respiratory insufficiency R068

(b) Upper respiratory infection J069

Code to upper respiratory infection (J069). The trivial condition selected by the General Principle is not discarded since it is reported as the cause of another condition.

Rule C. Linkage

Where the selected cause is linked by a provision in the Classification or in the notes for use in underlying cause mortality coding with one or more of the other conditions on the certificate, code the combination.

Where the linkage provision is only for the combination of one condition specified as due to another, code the combination only when the correct causal relationship is stated or can be inferred from application of the selection rules.

Where a conflict in linkages occurs, link with the condition that would have been selected if the cause initially selected had not been reported. Make any further linkage that is applicable.

Interpretations and Examples

Linkage is the assignment of a preference or combination code for two or more jointly reported causes of death in accordance with a provision in the ICD. The provision may be for linking one condition with mention of the other, or for linking one condition when reported as “due to” the other.

Guideline notes and instruction for applying the mandatory international linkages are listed in category order, Volume 2, Fifth Edition, pages 69 - 97. They have been repeated in this manual along with other preferences and instructions pertinent to coding practices in the United States. In addition, the codes for specific linkages are contained in Part 2c, Modification Table (Table E). These decision tables present the linkages as described below for use in classifying the underlying cause of death.

Application of the linkage rule, as with the use of all other international rules for determining the underlying cause of death, must be carried out in a sequential step-by-step process to comply with the intention of ICD and to achieve standardization of data. This is particularly essential in the linkage rule. It is the most complex step in determining the underlying cause of death and is used more than any other modification rule.

The following abbreviations identify the linkages in Part 2c, Modification Table (Table E):

LMP: (Linkage with mention of preference) is used when another condition is preferred over the selected underlying cause regardless of the placement of either of the two conditions on the record.

LMC: (Linkage with mention of combination) is used when the selected underlying cause and another condition link to become a combination code regardless of the placement of either of the two conditions on the record.

LDP: (Linkage “due to” preference) is used when another condition stated as “due to” the selected underlying cause is preferred.

LDC: (Linkage “due to” combination) is used when the selected underlying cause is merged with another condition stated as “due to” the selected underlying cause into a combination code.

Placement of Condition for “due to” Linkages

Placement of the conditions on the record is of paramount importance in determining when “due to” linkages (LDP, LDC) may be made. For this purpose, the following criteria are to be applied. If the General Principle is applied, every condition on every line above it is considered to have a “due to” relationship with the selected underlying cause. If Rule 1 is applied, only the conditions on the next higher line are in “due to” relationship with the selected underlying cause.

Situation 1: One linkage on the record

This is the most straightforward kind of linkage wherein the selected underlying cause links with only one other condition on the record through any one of the four types of linkages.

Codes for Record

I (a) Coronary thrombosis I219

(b) Old myocardial degeneration I515

II Hypertension, arteriosclerosis I10 I709

Code to coronary thrombosis (I219). Arteriosclerotic heart disease, selected by the General Principle, links (LMP) with coronary thrombosis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Emphysema J439

(b)

II Cerebral arteriosclerosis I672

Code to other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (J448). Bronchitis, selected by the General Principle, links (LMC) with emphysema into a combination code of J448.

Codes for Record

I (a) Bronchopneumonia J180

(b) Heart disease I519

Code to hypertensive heart disease without (congestive) heart failure (I119). Hypertension, selected by Rule 1, links (LDC) in “due to” position with heart disease into a combination code.

Codes for Record

I (a) Thrombotic mesenteric infarction K550

(b) Arteriosclerosis I709

Code to acute vascular disorder of intestine (K550). Arteriosclerosis, selected by the General Principle, links (LDP) in “due to” position with mesenteric infarction.

Situation 2: Two or more concurrent linkages (conflict in linkage)

When the selected underlying cause links with more than one condition on the record, a conflict in linkage exists. When there is a conflict, linkage is with the condition that would have been selected if the selected cause had not been reported. Therefore, prefer a linkage in Part I over one in Part II. If the conflict is in Part I, reapply the selection rules as though the selected cause had not been reported. If the reselected cause is one of the linkage conditions, make this linkage. If the reselected cause is not one of the linkage conditions, again apply the selection rules as though the initially selected and reselected causes had not been reported. Continue this process until a reselected cause is one of the conditions to which the initially selected underlying cause links. Then link the initially selected underlying cause to that condition.

Codes for Record

I (a) Stroke I64

(b) Hypertension I10

II CAD I251

Code to stroke (I64). Hypertension selected by General Principle links (LMP) with stroke and also links (LMP) with coronary artery disease. Even though hypertension links with two conditions, a linkage in Part I is preferred over one in Part II.

I (a) CVA

(b) Aortic aneurysm

Codes for Record Linkage Record

I (a) I64 I64

(b) I719 I719

Code to Aortic aneurysm (I719).

Arteriosclerosis, selected by the General Principle, links (LDP) in “due to” position with aortic aneurysm and also links (LMP) with mention of CVA.

The linkage record is constructed and the selection rules applied. Aortic aneurysm would have been selected by the General Principle and is, therefore, the condition that is preferred.

I (a) Cardiac arrest and pneumonia

(b) Cerebrovascular accident, ischemic heart disease

II Hypertension and contracted kidney

Codes for Record Linkage Record

I (a) I469 J189 I469 J189

(b) I64 I259 I64 I259

II I10 N26 I10 N26

Code to cerebrovascular accident (I64).

Arteriosclerosis, selected by the General Principle, links (LMP) with cerebrovascular accident; (LMP) with ischemic heart disease; and (LMP) with hypertension.

The linkage record is constructed, consisting of all conditions except the selected underlying cause and the selection rules are reapplied to the linkage record. Cerebrovascular accident would have been selected by Rule 1 and is thus identified as the condition to be linked with the initially selected cause.

I (a) Pneumonia

(b) Congestive heart failure, chronic myocarditis

Codes for Record Linkage Record

I (a) J189 J189

(b) I500 I514 I500 I514

Code to hypertensive heart disease with (congestive) heart failure (I110) Hypertension, selected by Rule 1, links (LDC) in “due to” position with congestive heart failure and also links (LDC) in “due to” position with the term chronic myocarditis.

Construct the linkage record with all conditions except the selected underlying cause of death and apply the selection rules to this record.

Reselect arteriosclerosis. Since this is not one of the linkage conditions, the selection rules are reapplied. Select congestive heart failure (I500). Congestive heart failure is identified as the condition to be linked with the initially selected underlying cause into the combination code I110.

Situation 3: Further linkage

After initial linkage is made, the preferred condition or combination category may further link with another condition on the record to create a sequence of linkages.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pneumonia, hypertension J189 I10

(b) Arteriosclerosis & renal sclerosis I709 N26

Code to hypertensive renal disease (I129). Arteriosclerosis, selected by Rule 1, links (LMP) with hypertension. Hypertension further links (LMC) with renal sclerosis into a combination code of I129.

Codes for Record

I (a) Ventricular aneurysm I253

(b) Hypertensive heart disease I119

Code to aneurysm of heart (I253). Chronic renal failure, selected by the General Principle, links (LMC) with hypertensive heart disease into a combination code of I131, hypertensive heart and renal disease with renal failure. This combination (I131) further links (LMP) with ventricular aneurysm (I253).

I (a) Heart and renal failure

(b) Renal atrophy

Codes for Record Linkage Record

I (a) I509 N19 I509 N19

(b) N26 N26

Code to hypertensive heart and renal disease with both (congestive) heart failure and renal failure (I132). Arteriosclerosis, selected by Rule 1, links (LMP) with hypertension, (LMP) with heart failure, and (LDC) in “due to” position with renal atrophy. This is a conflict in linkage; therefore, construct the linkage record consisting of all conditions except the selected underlying cause and apply the selection rules to this linkage record.

Since hypertension would have been selected by the General Principle, it is thus identified as the condition to be linked. Make this linkage (---I709---LMP I10). Conditions classifiable to I10 further link (LMC) with renal atrophy and (LDC) in “due to” position with heart failure, and (LMC) with renal failure. This conflict in linkage requires that a second linkage record be constructed.

Linkage Record

I (a) I509 N19

(b) N26

(c)

Apply the selection rules to the new linkage record. Renal atrophy would have been selected by the General Principle and is identified as the term to be linked with hypertension into the combination code of I129. This further links (LDC) with heart failure into the combination code of I130 and further links (LMC) with the renal failure into the combination code of I132 by continuing to apply the “conflict in linkage rule.”

Rule D. Specificity

Where the selected cause describes a condition in general terms and a term that provides more precise information about the site or nature of this condition is reported on the certificate, prefer the more informative term. This rule will often apply when the general term becomes an adjective, qualifying the more precise term.

The following abbreviations identify selected levels of specificity:

SMP: (Specificity with mention of preference) When the tentative underlying cause describes a condition in general terms, and a condition which provides more precise information about the site or nature of this condition is reported anywhere on the certificate, and the code for the more precise condition is preferred over the code for the tentative underlying cause.

SMC: (Specificity with mention of combination) When the tentative underlying cause describes a condition in general terms, and a condition which provides more precise information about the site or nature of this condition is reported anywhere on the certificate, and the codes for the tentative underlying cause and the other condition combine into a third code.

SDC: (Specificity due to combination) When the tentative underlying cause is reported in the due to position to another condition, and can be regarded as an adjective modifying this condition, and the codes for the tentative underlying cause and the other conditions combine into a third code.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral thrombosis I633

(b) CVA I64

Code to cerebral thrombosis (I633). Cerebrovascular accident selected by the General Principle, is considered a general term and cerebral thrombosis is preferred as the more informative term.

Codes for Record

I (a) Meningitis G039

(b) Tuberculosis A1690

Code to tuberculous meningitis (A170). The conditions are stated in the correct causal relationship.

Code for Record

I (a) Pneumonia J13

(b) Pneumococcus

Code to pneumococcal pneumonia (J13). Since an infection is reported due to a specific organism, use the organism on (b) to modify the infection on (a).

Refer to Section III, J, 7 for further instructions regarding organisms and infections.

Conflict in Specificity

When there are two or more conditions on the certificate to which the specificity rule applies, reapply the selection rules as though the general term had not been reported. If the reselected condition is not one of the more specified conditions to which

Rule D applies, again apply the selection rules as though the general term and the reselected condition had not been reported. Continue this reselection process until the reselected condition is one of the more specified terms that would take preference over the general term. After the more specified condition has been identified, any applicable linkage (Rule C) may be made.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pulmonary fibrosis J841

(b) Chronic lung disease and J9840 J439

Code to emphysema (J439). Chronic lung disease is selected by Rule 1. Both emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis are more specified lung diseases. Emphysema would have been selected if chronic lung disease had not been mentioned and is, therefore, identified as the condition that would take preference.

Codes for Record

I (a) Urinary tract obstruction N139

(b) Kidney stones N200

Code to calculus of kidney (N200). Renal disease (N289) is selected by the General Principle. Both urinary tract obstruction and kidney stones are specified renal diseases. Kidney stones (N200) would have been selected if renal disease had not been reported and is, therefore, the preferred condition.

Rule E. Early and late stages of disease

Where the selected cause is an early stage of a disease and a more advanced stage of the same disease is reported on the certificate, code to the more advanced stage. This rule does not apply to a “chronic” form reported as due to an “acute” form unless the classification gives special instructions to that effect.

Codes for Record

I (a) Tertiary syphilis A529

(b) Primary syphilis A510

Code to tertiary syphilis (A529), a more advanced stage of syphilis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Eclampsia during pregnancy O150

(b) Pre-eclampsia O149

Code to eclampsia in pregnancy (O150), a more advanced stage of pre-eclampsia.

Codes for Record

I (a) Chronic myocarditis I514

(b) Acute myocarditis I409

Code to acute myocarditis (I409). Acute myocarditis is selected by the General Principle. No “special instruction” is given to prefer chronic myocarditis over acute myocarditis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Chronic nephritis N039

(b) Acute nephritis N009

Code to chronic nephritis, unspecified (N039). Chronic nephritis is preferred when it is reported as secondary to acute nephritis. The General Principle and linkage are applicable.

Rule F. Sequela

Where the selected cause is an early form of a condition for which the Classification provides a separate “Sequela of ...” category, and there is evidence that death occurred from residual effects of this condition rather than from those of its active phase, code to the appropriate “Sequela of ...” category.

“Sequela of ...” categories are as follows:

B90.- Sequela of tuberculosis

B91 Sequela of acute poliomyelitis

B92 Sequela of leprosy

B94.- Sequela of other and unspecified infectious and parasitic diseases

E64.- Sequela of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies

E68 Sequela of hyperalimentation

G09 Sequela of inflammatory diseases of central nervous system

I69.- Sequela of cerebrovascular disease

O97.- Death from sequela of obstetric causes

Y85-Y89 Sequela of external causes

NOTE #1: When conditions in categories A000-A310, A318-A427, A429-A599, A601-A70, A748-B001, B003-B004, B007, B009-B069, B080, B082-B085, B09-B199, B25-B279, B330-B349, B370-B49, B58-B64, B99 are mentioned on the record with HIV (B20-B24, R75), do not consider the infectious or parasitic condition as a sequela.

NOTE #2: Sequela categories (except G09) do not apply to decedents with an age less than 1 year old.

Interpretations and Examples

These sequela categories are to be used for underlying cause mortality coding to indicate that death resulted from late (residual) effects of a given disease or injury rather than during the active phase. Rule F applies in such circumstances.

B90.- Sequela of tuberculosis

Use these subcategories for the classification of tuberculosis (conditions in A162-A199) if:

(a) A statement of a late effect or sequela of the tuberculosis is reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Calcification lung J984

(b) Sequela of pulmonary tuberculosis B909

Code to sequela of pulmonary tuberculosis (B909) since “sequela of” is stated.

(b) The tuberculosis is stated to be ancient, arrested, by history, cured, healed, history, history of, inactive, old, quiescent, or remote, whether or not the residual (late) effect is specified, unless there is evidence of active tuberculosis.

Code for Record

I (a) Arrested pulmonary tuberculosis B909

Code to arrested pulmonary tuberculosis (B909), since there is no evidence of active tuberculosis.

(c) When there is evidence of active and inactive (arrested, by history, cured, healed, history, history of, old, quiescent) tuberculosis of different sites, consider as active or inactive tuberculosis as stated.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute miliary tuberculosis A190

(b) of bone 6 mos

II Old pulmonary tuberculosis B909

Code to active acute miliary tuberculosis of bone (A190) as selected by the General Principle. Evidence of inactive tuberculosis of a different site does not change the status of the active tuberculosis.

(d) When there is evidence of active and inactive (arrested, by history, cured, healed, history, history of, old, quiescent) tuberculosis of the same site, consider as active tuberculosis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis A162

(b) Old pulmonary tuberculosis A162

(c)

Code to active pulmonary tuberculosis (A162). Evidence of inactive and active tuberculosis of the same site is coded to active tuberculosis of the site.

NOTE: Do not use duration to code sequela of tuberculosis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Respiratory failure J969

(b) Pneumonia J189

Code to pulmonary tuberculosis (A162). Do not use duration of the tuberculosis to code the tuberculosis as sequela.

B91- Sequela of acute poliomyelitis

Use this category for the classification of poliomyelitis (conditions in A800-A809) if:

(a) A statement of a late effect or sequela of the poliomyelitis is reported.

Code for Record

I (a) Sequela of acute poliomyelitis B91

Code to sequela of poliomyelitis (B91) as indexed.

(b) A chronic condition or a condition with a duration of one year or more that was due to poliomyelitis is reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Paralysis 1 year G839

(b) Acute poliomyelitis B91

Code to sequela of poliomyelitis (B91), since the paralysis has a duration of 1 year.

(c) The poliomyelitis is stated to be by history, history, history of, old, or the interval between onset of the poliomyelitis and death is indicated to be one year or more whether or not the residual (late) effect is specified.

Code for Record

I (a) Old polio B91

Code to old polio (B91).

(d) The poliomyelitis is not stated to be acute or active and the interval between the onset of the poliomyelitis and death is not reported.

Code for Record

I (a) Poliomyelitis B91

(b)

(c)

Code to sequela of poliomyelitis (B91) since the poliomyelitis is not stated to be acute or active and there is no duration reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Poliomyelitis with B91 G839

(b) paralysis

(c)

Code to sequela of poliomyelitis (B91) since the poliomyelitis is not stated to be acute or active and there is no duration reported.

B92 Sequela of leprosy

Use this category for the classification of leprosy (conditions in A30) if:

(a) A statement of a late effect or sequela of the leprosy is reported.

(b) A chronic condition or a condition with a duration of one year or more that was due to leprosy is reported.

B94.0 Sequela of trachoma

Use this subcategory for the classification of trachoma (conditions in A710-A719) if:

(a) A statement of a late effect or sequela of the trachoma is reported.

Code for Record

I (a) Late effects of trachoma B940

(b) The trachoma is stated to be healed or inactive, whether or not the residual (late) effect is specified.

Code for Record

I (a) Healed trachoma B940

Code to sequela of trachoma (B940) since it is stated “healed.”

(c) A chronic condition such as blindness, cicatricial entropion or conjunctival scar that was due to the trachoma is reported unless there is evidence of active infection.

Codes for Record

I (a) Conjunctival scar H112

(b) Trachoma B940

Code to sequela of trachoma (B940) since it caused the chronic condition, conjunctival scar, and there is no evidence of active infection.

B94.1 Sequela of viral encephalitis

Use this subcategory for the classification of viral encephalitis (conditions in A830-A839, A840-A849, A850-A858, A86) if:

(a) A statement of a late effect or sequela of the viral encephalitis is reported.

Code for Record

I (a) Late effects of viral encephalitis B941

Code to sequela of viral encephalitis (B941) as indexed.

(b) A chronic condition or a condition with a duration of one year or more that was due to the viral encephalitis is reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Chronic brain syndrome F069

(b) Viral encephalitis B941

Code to sequela of viral encephalitis (B941), since a resultant chronic condition is reported.

(c) The viral encephalitis is stated to be ancient, by history, history, history of, old, remote, or the interval between onset of the viral encephalitis and death is indicated to be one year or more whether or not the residual (late) effect is specified.

Code for Record

I (a) St. Louis encephalitis 1 yr B941

Code to sequela of viral encephalitis (B941), since a duration of 1 year is reported.

Code for Record

I (a) Old viral encephalitis B941

Code to sequela of viral encephalitis (B941), since it is stated “old.”

(d) Brain damage, CNS damage, cerebral fungus, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, mental retardation, paralysis (G810-G839) is reported due to the viral encephalitis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Paralysis G839

(b) Viral encephalitis B941

Code to sequela of viral encephalitis (B941) since paralysis is reported due to viral encephalitis.

B94.2 Sequela of viral hepatitis

Use this category for the classification of viral hepatitis (conditions in B150-B199) if:

A statement of a late effect or sequela of the viral hepatitis is reported.

B94.8 Sequela of other specified infectious and parasitic diseases

B94.9 Sequela of unspecified infectious and parasitic diseases

Use B948 for the classification of specified infectious and parasitic diseases (conditions in A000-A099, A200-A289, A310-A70, A740-A799, A811-A829, A870-B09, B250-B89)

AND

Use B949 for the classification of only the terms “infectious disease NOS” and “parasitic disease NOS” if:

(a) A condition that is stated to be a late effect or sequela of the infectious or parasitic disease is reported.

(b) The infectious or parasitic disease is stated to be ancient, arrested, by history, cured, healed, history, history of, inactive, old, quiescent, or remote, whether or not the residual (late) effect is specified, unless there is evidence of activity of the disease.

(c) A chronic condition or a condition with a duration of one year or more that was due to the infectious or parasitic disease is reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Reye syndrome 1 yr. G937

(b) Chickenpox B948

Code to sequela of other specified infectious and parasitic diseases (B948) since chickenpox caused a condition with a duration of one year or more.

Codes for Record

I (a) Chronic brain syndrome F069

(b) Meningococcal encephalitis B948

Code to sequela of other specified infectious and parasitic diseases (B948) since the infectious disease caused a chronic condition.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute and Chronic UTI N390

(b) Clostridium difficile colitis B948

Code to sequela of other specified infectious and parasitic diseases (B948) since the infectious disease caused a chronic condition.

(d) There is indication that the interval between onset of the infectious or parasitic disease and death was one year or more, whether or not the residual (late) effect is specified.

E640-E649 Sequela of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies

Use Sequela Code For Categories

E640 E40-E46

E641 E500-E509

E642 E54

E643 E550-E559

E648 E51-E53

E56-E60

E610-E638

E649 E639

Use these subcategories for the classification of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies (conditions in E40-E639) if:

(a) A statement of a late effect or sequela of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies is reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Sequela of malnutrition E640

Code to sequela of protein-energy malnutrition (E640) since I(b) is stated as “sequela of.”

(b) A condition with a duration of one year or more is qualified as rachitic or that was due to rickets is reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Thyroid disorder 3 years E079

(b) Rickets E643

Code to sequela of rickets (E643) since rickets caused a condition with a duration of one year or more.

E68 Sequela of hyperalimentation

Use this category for the classification of hyperalimentation (conditions in E67 and hyperalimentation NOS in R632) if:

(a) A statement of a late effect or sequela of the hyperalimentation is reported.

(b) A condition with a duration of one year or more that was due to hyperalimentation is reported.

G09 Sequela of inflammatory diseases of central nervous system

Use this category for the classification of intracranial abscess or pyogenic infection (conditions in G000-G009, G030-G049, G060-G069, G08) if:

(a) A statement of a late effect or sequela of the condition in G000-G009, G030-G049, G060-G069, G08 is reported.

(b) A condition with a duration of one year or more that was due to the condition in G000-G009, G030-G049, G060-G069, G08 is reported.

(c) The condition in G000-G009, G030-G049, G060-G069, G08 is stated to be ancient, by history, history, history of, old, remote, or the interval between onset of this condition and death is indicated to be one year or more, whether or not the residual (late) effect is specified.

Codes for Record

I (a) Compression of brain G935

(b) Old cerebral abscess G09

Code to sequela of cerebral abscess since stated as old.

(d) Brain damage, CNS damage, cerebral fungus, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, mental retardation, paralysis (G810-G839) is reported due to a condition in G000-G009, G030-G049, G060-G069, G08.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hydrocephalus G919

(b) Meningitis G09

Code to sequela of inflammatory diseases of CNS (G09) since meningitis (G039) is reported as causing hydrocephalus.

I690-I698 Sequela of cerebrovascular disease

Use this category for the classification of cerebrovascular disease (conditions in I600-I6400, I670-I671, I674-I679) if:

(a) A statement of late effect or sequela of a cerebrovascular disease is reported.

Code for Record

I (a) Sequela of cerebral infarction I693

Code to sequela of cerebral infarction (I693) since “sequela of” is stated.

(b) A condition with a duration of one year or more was due to one of these cerebrovascular diseases.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hemiplegia 1 year G819

(b) Intracranial hemorrhage I692

Code to sequela of other nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage (I692) since the residual effect (hemiplegia) has a duration of one year.

(c) The condition in I600-I64, I670-I671, I674-I679 is stated to be ancient, by history, history, history of, old, remote, or the interval between onset of this condition and death is indicated to be one year or more, whether or not the residual (late) effect is specified.

Codes for Record

I (a) Brain damage G939

(b) Remote cerebral thrombosis I693

Code to sequela of cerebral thrombosis (I693) since the cerebral thrombosis is reported as remote.

Code for Record

I (a) Old intracerebral hemorrhage I691

Code to sequela of intracerebral hemorrhage (I691) since the intracerebral hemorrhage is stated as old.

Code for Record

I (a) Cerebrovascular occlusion 6 years I693

Code to sequela of cerebrovascular occlusion since the duration is one year or more.

Code for Record

I (a) History of CVA 9 months I694

Code to sequela of CVA (I694) since history of CVA is reported.

Code for Record

I (a) Stroke 99 years I694

Code to stroke (I64). Do not interpret as sequela since 99 in the duration block is interpreted as unknown duration.

(d) The condition in I600-I64, I670-I671, I674-I679 is reported with paralysis (any) stated to be ancient, by history, history, history of, old, remote, or the interval between onset of this condition and death is indicated to be one year or more whether or not the residual (late) effect is specified.

Codes for Record

I (a) CVA with old hemiplegia I694 G819

Code to sequela of CVA (I694) since it is reported with hemiplegia stated as old.

O970-O979 Sequela of obstetric cause

Use this category for the classification of a direct obstetric cause (conditions in O00-O927) if:

(a) A statement of a late effect or sequela of the direct obstetric cause is reported.

(b) A condition with a duration of one year or more that was due to the direct obstetric cause is reported.

Y85-Y89 Sequela of external causes of morbidity and mortality

Refer to Section IV, Y85-Y89, Sequela of external causes of morbidity and mortality.

Application of Rule 3 following modification

After application of the modification rules, selection Rule 3 should be reapplied. However, Rule 3 should not be applied if the originating cause selected by application of the modification rules is correctly reported as due to another condition, except when this other condition is ill-defined or trivial.

Codes for Record

I (a) Arteriosclerosis aorta I700

II Cerebral embolism, endocarditis I634 I38

Code to endocarditis (I38). Arteriosclerosis aorta, selected by the General Principle links (LMP) with cerebral embolism. Cerebral embolism is considered a direct sequel (DS) of the endocarditis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral embolism I634

(b) Arteriosclerosis aorta I700

II Endocarditis I38

Code to cerebral embolism (I634). Arteriosclerosis aorta, selected by the General Principle links (LMP) with cerebral embolism. Although cerebral embolism can be considered a direct consequence of the endocarditis, it is reported due to arteriosclerosis aorta on this certificate. Rule 3 is, therefore, not applied.

SECTION III - EDITING AND INTERPRETING ENTRIES IN THE MEDICAL CERTIFICATION

Selection of the underlying cause is based on selecting a single condition on the lowest used line in Part I since this condition is presumed to indicate the certifier’s opinion about the sequence of events leading to the immediate cause of death. However, it is recognized that certifiers do not always report a single condition on the lowest used line, nor do they always enter the related conditions in a proper order of sequence. Therefore, it is necessary to edit the conditions reported during the selection process. For this reason, standardized rules and guides are set forth in this manual.

The international coding guides are provided in this section. Also included are instructions for use in the United States designed to bring assignments resulting from reporting practices particular to the United States into closer alignment with the intent of the International Classification procedures.

The interpretations and instructions in this section are general in nature and are to be used whenever applicable. Those in Section IV apply to specific categories.

A. Guides for the determination of the probability of sequence

1. Assumption of intervening cause. Frequently on the medical certificate, one condition is indicated as due to another, but the first one is not a direct consequence of the second one. For example, hematemesis may be stated as due to cirrhosis of the liver, instead of being reported as the final event of the sequence, liver cirrhosis portal hypertension ruptured esophageal varices hematemesis.

The assumption of an intervening cause in Part I is permissible in accepting a sequence as reported, but it must not be used to modify the coding.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral hemorrhage I619

(b) Chronic nephritis N039

Code to chronic nephritis (N03.9). It is necessary to assume hypertension as a condition intervening between cerebral hemorrhage and the underlying cause, chronic nephritis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Mental retardation F79

(b) Premature separation P021

Code to premature separation of placenta affecting fetus or newborn (P02.1). It is necessary to assume birth trauma, anoxia or hypoxia as a condition intervening between mental retardation and the underlying cause, premature separation of placenta.

2. Interpretation of “highly improbable.” The expression “highly improbable” has been used since the Sixth Revision of the ICD to indicate an unacceptable causal relationship. As a guide to the acceptability of sequences in the application of the General Principle and the selection rules, the following relationships should be regarded as “highly improbable”:

a. an infectious or parasitic disease (A00-B99) reported as “due to” any disease outside this chapter, except that:

• septicemia (A40-A41, B94.8)

• erysipelas (A46, B94.8)

• gas gangrene (A48.0, B94.8) May be accepted as

• bacteremia (A49.0-A49.9, B94.8) “due to” any other

• Vincent angina (A69.1, B94.8) disease

• mycoses (B35-B49, B94.8)

• any infectious disease may be accepted as “due to” disorders of the immune mechanism such as human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease or AIDS

• any infectious disease may be accepted as “due to” immunosuppression by chemicals (chemotherapy) and radiation

• any infectious disease classified to A000-A090, A162-B199 or B250-B64 reported as “due to” a malignant neoplasm will also be an acceptable sequence

• varicella and zoster infections (B01-B02) may be accepted as “due to” diabetes, tuberculosis and lymphoproliferative neoplasms;

b. a malignant neoplasm reported as “due to” any other disease, except human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease;

c. hemophilia (D66, D67, D68.0-D68.2) reported as “due to” any other disease;

d. diabetes (E10-E14) reported as “due to” any other disease except:

• hemochromatosis (E83.1),

• diseases of pancreas (K85-K86),

• pancreatic neoplasms (C25.-, D13.6, D13.7, D37.7),

• malnutrition (E40-E46);

e. rheumatic fever (I00-I02) or rheumatic heart disease (I05-I09) reported as “due to” any disease other than scarlet fever (A38), streptococcal septicemia (A40.-), streptococcal sore throat (J02.0) and acute tonsillitis (J03.-);

f. any hypertensive condition reported as “due to” any neoplasm except:

• endocrine neoplasms,

• renal neoplasms,

• carcinoid tumors;

g. chronic ischemic heart disease (I20, I25) reported as “due to” any neoplasm;

h. (1) cerebrovascular diseases (I60-I69) reported as “due to” a disease of the digestive system (K00-K92), except Cerebral hemorrhage (I61.-) due to Diseases of liver (K70-K76);

(2) cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of precerebral arteries (I63.0)

cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion of precerebral arteries (I63.2)

cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of cerebral arteries (I63.3)

cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion of cerebral arteries (I63.5)

cerebral infarction due to cerebral venous thrombosis, nonpyogenic (I63.6)

other cerebral infarction (I63.8)

cerebral infarction, unspecified (I63.9)

stroke, not specified as hemorrhage or infarction (I64)

other cerebrovascular disease (I67)

sequela of stroke, not specified as hemorrhage or infarction (I69.4)

sequela of other and unspecified cerebrovascular diseases (I69.8)

reported as “due to” endocarditis (I05-I08, I09.1, I33-I38);

(3) occlusion and stenosis of precerebral arteries, not resulting in cerebral infarction (I65), except embolism occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries, not resulting in cerebral infarction (I66) except embolism sequela of cerebral infarction (I69.3), except embolism reported as “due to” endocarditis (I05-I08, I09.1, I33-I38);

i. any condition described as arteriosclerotic [atherosclerotic] reported as “due to” any neoplasm;

j. influenza (J09-J11) reported as “due to” any other disease;

k. a congenital anomaly (Q00-Q99) reported as “due to” any other disease of the individual, except for:

• a congenital anomaly reported as “due to” a chromosome abnormality or a congenital malformation syndrome

• pulmonary hypoplasia reported as “due to” a congenital anomaly

l. a condition of stated date of onset “X” reported as “due to” a condition of stated date of onset “Y,” when “X” predates “Y”;

m. any accident (V01-X59) reported as “due to” any other cause outside this chapter except:

(1) any accident (V01-X59) reported as due to epilepsy (G40-G41)

(2) a fall (W00-W19) due to a disorder of bone density (M80-M85)

(3) a fall (W00-W19) due to a (pathological) fracture caused by a disorder of bone density

(4) asphyxia reported as due to aspiration of mucus, blood (W80) or vomitus (W78) as a result of disease conditions

(5) aspiration of food (liquid or solid) of any kind (W79) reported as due to a disease which affects the ability to swallow

n. suicide (X60-X84) reported as “due to” any other cause.

The preceding list does not cover all “highly improbable” sequences, but in other cases the General Principle should be followed unless otherwise indicated.

Acute or terminal circulatory diseases reported as “due to” malignant neoplasm, diabetes or asthma should be accepted as possible sequences in Part I of the certificate. The following conditions are regarded as acute or terminal circulatory diseases:

I21-I22 Acute myocardial infarction

I24.- Other acute ischemic heart diseases

I26.- Pulmonary embolism

I30.- Acute pericarditis

I33.- Acute and subacute endocarditis

I40.- Acute myocarditis

I44.- Atrioventricular and left bundle-branch block

I45.- Other conduction disorders

I46.- Cardiac arrest

I47.- Paroxysmal tachycardia

I48 Atrial fibrillation and flutter

I49.- Other cardiac arrhythmias

I50.- Heart failure

I51.8 Other ill-defined heart diseases

I60-I68 Cerebrovascular diseases except I67.0-I67.5 and I67.9

B. Diagnostic entities

1. One-term entity: A one-term entity is a diagnostic entity that is classifiable to a single ICD-10 code.

a. A diagnostic term that contains one of the following adjectival modifiers indicates the condition modified has undergone certain changes and is considered to be a one-term entity.

adenomatous embolic hypoxemic necrotic, necrotizing

anoxic erosive hypoxic obstructed

congestive gangrenous inflammatory obstructive

cystic hemorrhagic ischemic ruptured

(Apply this instruction to these adjectival modifiers only)

For code assignment, apply the following criteria in the order stated.

(1) If the modifier and lead term are indexed together, code as indexed.

Code for Record

I (a) Embolic nephritis N058

Code to embolic nephritis (N058). The adjectival modifier “embolic” is indexed under Nephritis.

(2) If the modifier is not indexed under the lead term, but “specified” is, use the code for specified (usually .8)

Code for Record

I (a) Obstructive cystitis N308

Code to cystitis, specified NEC (N308). The adjectival modifier “obstructive” is not indexed under Cystitis, but “specified NEC” is indexed.

(3) If neither the modifier nor “specified” is indexed under the lead term, refer to Volume 1 under the NOS code for the lead term and look for a specified fourth character category.

Code for Record

I (a) Hemorrhagic cardiomyopathy I428

Code to the category for other cardiomyopathies (I428). “Hemorrhagic” is not indexed under cardiomyopathy, neither is cardiomyopathy, specified, NEC indexed. The Classification does provide a code, I428, for “Other cardiomyopathies” in Volume 1.

(4) If neither (1), (2) nor (3) apply, code the lead term without the modifier.

Code for Record

I (a) Adenomatous bronchiectasis J47

Code to bronchiectasis NOS (J47). “Adenomatous” is not an index term qualifying bronchiectasis. Code bronchiectasis only, since there is no provision in the Classification for coding “other bronchiectasis.”

b. Alzheimer dementia: Consider the following terms as one term entities and code as indicated:

When reported as: Code

Endstage Alzheimer, senile dementia

Senile dementia, Alzheimer G301

Senile dementia, Alzheimer type

Senile dementia of the Alzheimer

When reported as: Code

Alzheimer, dementia

Alzheimer; dementia

Alzheimer disease (dementia)

Dementia Alzheimer

Dementia, Alzheimer

Dementia - Alzheimer G309

Dementia, Alzheimer type

Dementia of Alzheimer

Dementia - Alzheimer type

Dementia; Alzheimer type

Dementia, probable Alzheimer (disease)

Dementia syndrome, Alzheimer type

Endstage dementia (Alzheimer)

2. Multiple one-term entity: A multiple one-term entity is a diagnostic entity consisting of two or more contiguous words on a line for which the Classification does not provide a single code for the entire entity but does provide a single code for each of the components of the diagnostic entity. Consider as a multiple one-term entity if each of the components can be considered as separate one-term entities, i.e., they can stand alone as separate diagnoses.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hypertensive arteriosclerosis I10 I709

Code to hypertension (I10). The complete term is not indexed as a one-term entity. Code “hypertensive” and “arteriosclerosis” as separate one-term entities.

EXCEPTION: When any condition classifiable to I20-I25 (except I250) or I60-I69 is qualified as “hypertensive,” code to I20-I25 or I60-I69 only.

Code for Record

I (a) Hypertensive myocardial ischemia I259

Code to myocardial ischemia (I259). Disregard “hypertensive” since it is modifying an ischemic heart condition.

C. Adjective reported at the end of a diagnostic entity

Code an adjective reported at the end of a diagnostic entity as if it preceded the entity. This applies whether reported in Part I or Part II.

Codes for Record

I (a) Arteriosclerosis, hypertensive I10 I709

Code to hypertension (I10). The complete term is not indexed as a one-term entity. “Hypertensive” is an adjectival modifier; code as if it preceded the arteriosclerosis.

D. Adjectival modifier reported with multiple conditions

1. If an adjectival modifier is reported with more than one condition, modify only the first condition.

Codes for Record

I (a) Arteriosclerotic nephritis and

cardiomyopathy I129 I429

Code to arteriosclerotic nephritis (I129). The modifier is applied only to the first condition.

2. If an adjectival modifier is reported with one condition and more than one site is reported, modify all sites.

Codes for Record

I (a) Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular and

cerebrovascular disease I250 I672

Code to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (I250). The modifier is applied to both conditions, but in this case the selected cause is not modified by the other condition on the record.

3. When an adjectival modifier precedes two different diseases that are reported with a connecting term, modify only the first disease.

Codes for Record

I (a) Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

and cerebrovascular disease I250 I679

Code to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (I250). The modifier is applied only to the first condition.

E. Parenthetical entries

1. When one medical entity is reported followed by another complete medical entity enclosed in parenthesis, disregard the parenthesis and code as separate terms.

Codes for Record

I (a) Heart dropsy I500

(b) Renal failure (CVRD) N19 I139

(c)

Code to hypertensive heart and renal disease (I132). Consider line (b) as two separate terms, both of which are complete medical entities.

2. When the adjectival form of words or qualifiers are reported in parenthesis, use these adjectives to modify the term preceding it.

Codes for Record

I (a) Collapse of heart I509

(b) Heart disease (rheumatic) I099

Code to rheumatic heart disease (I099). Use “rheumatic” as a modifier.

3. If the term in parenthesis is not a complete term and is not a modifier, consider as part of the preceding term.

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic carcinoma (ovarian) C56

Code to primary ovarian carcinoma (C56).

F. Plural form of disease

Do not use the plural form of a disease or the plural form of a site to indicate multiple.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Congenital defects Q899

Code to congenital defect (Q899); do not code as multiple (Q897).

G. Implied disease

When an adjective or noun form of a site is entered as a separate diagnosis, i.e., it is not part of an entry immediately preceding or following it, assume the word “disease” after the site and code accordingly.

Code for Record

I (a) Myocardial I515

(b)

(c)

Code to myocardial disease (I515).

Codes for Record

I (a) Coronary I251

(b) Hypertension I10

(c)

Code to coronary disease (I251). Line I(a) is coded as coronary disease since coronary hypertension is not indexed.

Codes for Record

I (a) Renal I129

(b) Hypertension

Code to renal hypertension (I129). Consider the site, renal, to be a part of the condition that immediately follows it on line b, since Hypertension, renal is indexed.

H. Relating and modifying

Certain conditions are classified in the ICD-10 according to the site affected, e.g.

atrophy enlargement obstruction

calcification failure perforation

calculus fibrosis rupture

congestion gangrene stenosis

degeneration hypertrophy stones

dilatation insufficiency necrosis stricture

embolism

(This list is not all inclusive)

Occasionally, these conditions are reported without specification of site. Relate conditions such as these for which the Classification does not provide an NOS code and conditions which are usually reported of a site. Generally, it may be assumed that such a condition was of the same site as another condition if the Classification provides for coding the condition of unspecified site to the site of the other condition. These coding principles apply whether or not there are other conditions reported on other lines in Part I. Use the following generalizations as a guide in assuming a site:

1. General instructions for implied site of a disease

a. Conditions of unspecified site reported on the same line

(1) When conditions are reported on the same line with or without a connecting term that implies a due to relationship, assume the condition of unspecified site was of the same site as the condition of a specified site.

Codes for Record

I (a) Aspiration pneumonia J690

(b) Cerebrovascular accident due to I64

Code to cerebral thrombosis (I633). Since thrombosis (of unspecified site) is reported on the same line with a condition of a specified site, relate to the specified site.

(2) When conditions of different sites are reported on the same line with the condition of unspecified site, assume the condition of unspecified site was of the same site as the condition immediately preceding it.

Codes for Record

I (a) ASHD, infarction, CVA I251 I219 I64

(b)

Code to heart infarction (I219). Since infarction (of unspecified site) is reported on same line with two conditions of specified sites, relate to the specified site immediately preceding the condition. ASHD links (LMP) with heart infarction.

b. Conditions of unspecified site reported on a separate line

(1) If there is only one condition of a specified site reported on the line above or below it, code to this site.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cholecystitis K819

(b) Calculus K802

Code to calculus of gallbladder with other cholecystitis (K801). Calculus of an unspecified site is reported on line (b). The condition on the line above is of a stated site (gallbladder). Therefore, consider line (b) as calculus of gallbladder (K802). This code links (LMC) with cholecystitis.

(2) If there are conditions of different specified sites on the lines above and below it and the Classification provides for coding the condition of unspecified site to only one of these sites, code to that site.

Codes for Record

I (a) Intestinal fistula K632

(b) Obstruction K566

Code to intestinal adhesions with obstruction (K565). Since the Classification does not provide a code for obstruction of the peritoneum, relate to the site reported on the line above (intestinal). Adhesions of peritoneum links (LMC) with intestinal obstruction.

(3) If there are conditions of different specified sites on the lines above and below and the Classification provides for coding the condition of unspecified site to both of these sites, code the condition unspecified as to site.

Codes for Record

I (a) CVA I64

(b) Thrombosis I829

Code to ASHD (I251). Since the thrombosis is classified to both sites (reported above and below), do not relate.

(4) Do not relate conditions which are not reported in the first position on a line to the line above. It is acceptable to relate conditions not reported as the first condition on a line to the line below.

Codes for Record

I (a) Kidney failure N19

(b) Vascular insufficiency with thrombosis I99 I219

Code to cardiac thrombosis (I219). Relate thrombosis to line below. ASHD links (LMP) with heart thrombosis.

2. Relating specific categories

a. When ulcer, site unspecified or peptic ulcer NOS is reported causing, due to, or on the same line with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, code peptic ulcer NOS (K279).

Codes for Record

I (a) Gastrointestinal hemorrhage K922

(b) Peptic ulcer K279

Code to peptic ulcer with hemorrhage (K274). Do not relate peptic ulcer to gastrointestinal. Peptic ulcer links (LMC) with gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

b. When ulcer NOS (L984) is reported causing, due to, or on the same line with diseases classifiable to K20-K22, K30-K31, and K65, code peptic ulcer NOS (K279).

Codes for Record

I (a) Peritonitis K659

(b) Ulcer K279

Code to peptic ulcer (K279).

c. When hernia (K40-K46) is reported with disease(s) of unspecified site(s), relate the disease of unspecified site to the intestine.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hernia with obstruction K469 K566

Code to hernia with obstruction (K460). Relate obstruction to intestine. Hernia links (LMC) with intestinal obstruction.

d. When calculus NOS or stones NOS is reported with pyelonephritis, code to N209 (urinary calculus).

Codes for Record

I (a) Calculus with pyelonephritis N209 N12

Code to urinary calculus (N209).

e. When arthritis (any type) is reported with

• Contracture code contracture of the site

• Deformity code deformity acquired of the site

If no site is reported or if site is not indexed, code contracture or deformity, joint.

Codes for Record

I (a) Phlebitis I809

(b) Deformities M219

Code to osteoarthritis lower limbs (M199).

f. When embolism, infarction, occlusion, thrombosis NOS is reported

• from a specified site code the condition of the site reported

• of a site from a specified site code the condition to both sites reported

Codes for Record

I (a) Congestive heart failure I500

(b) Embolism from heart I2190

Code to cardiac embolism (I219). Relate embolism to site reported.

g. Relate a condition of unspecified site to the complete term of a multiple site entity. If it is not indexed together, relate the condition to the site of the complete indexed term.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiorespiratory arrest with I469 I509

(b) insufficiency

Code to heart failure (I509). Since cardiorespiratory arrest is indexed to a heart condition, relate insufficiency to heart.

h. When vasculitis NOS is reported, apply the general instructions for relating and modifying.

Codes for Record

I (a) Renal failure N19

(b) Vasculitis I778

Code Vasculitis, kidney (I778). Relate vasculitis to the site reported on line I (a).

3. Exceptions to relating and modifying instructions:

a. Do not relate the following conditions:

Arteriosclerosis

Congenital anomaly NOS

Hypertension

Infection NOS (refer to Section III, Part J, #7)

Neoplasms

Paralysis

Vascular disease NOS

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Congenital anomaly Q899

Code to congenital anomaly NOS (Q899). Do not relate to cardiac.

b. Do not relate hemorrhage when causing a condition of a specified site. Relate hemorrhage to site of disease reported on same line or line below only.

Codes for Record

I (a) Respiratory failure J969

(b) Hemorrhage R5800

Code to hemorrhage NOS (R58). Do not relate to respiratory.

c. Do not relate conditions classified to R00-R99 except:

Gangrene and necrosis               R02
Hemorrhage                              R5800
Stricture and stenosis                 R688

Codes for Record

I (a) Pneumonia with gangrene J189 J850

Code to gangrene of lung (J850). Relate gangrene to pulmonary, the site of the disease reported on the same line, since gangrene is one of the exceptions. Pneumonia is a direct sequel (DS) of pulmonary gangrene.

d. Do not relate a disease condition that, by the name of the disease, implies a disease of a specified site unless it is obviously an erroneous code. If not certain, submit for consideration following the current technical assistance protocol.

Codes for Record

I (a) Encephalopathy, cirrhosis G934 K746

Code to encephalopathy (G934). Do not relate encephalopathy to liver since the name of the disease implies a disease of a specific site, brain.

I. Coding conditions classified to injuries as disease conditions

1. Some conditions (such as injury, hematoma or laceration) of a specified organ are indexed directly to a traumatic category but may not always be traumatic in origin. Consider these types of conditions to be qualified as nontraumatic and code as nontraumatic when reported as below, unless a statement on the certificate indicates the condition was traumatic:

• due to or on the same line with a disease

• due to: drug poisoning drug therapy

If there is provision in the Classification for coding the condition that is considered to be qualified as nontraumatic as such, code accordingly. Otherwise, code to the category that has been provided for "Other" diseases of the organ (usually .8).

Codes for Record

I (a) OBS F069

(b)

(c)

II HTN, Diabetes, Traumatic brain injury I10 E149 S069 X599

Code to organic brain syndrome F069. In Part II, assign traumatic brain injury as indexed. Since qualified as traumatic, prefer the certifier's statement and to not apply the instruction.

Codes for Record

I (a) Laceration heart I518

(b) Myocardial infarction I219

(c)

Code to myocardial infarction (I219) selected by General Principle. Since laceration heart is reported due to myocardial infarction, consider the laceration to be nontraumatic.

Codes for Record

I (a) Subdural hematoma I620

(b) CVA I64

(c)

Code to nontraumatic subdural hematoma (I620) since reported due to CVA. Cerebrovascular accident, selected by the General Principle, is considered a general term and nontraumatic subdural hematoma is preferred as the more informative term by application of Rule D (SMP).

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiorespiratory failure R092

(b) Intracerebral hemorrhage I619

Code to cerebral meningioma (D320). Subdural hematoma is considered to be nontraumatic since it is reported on the same line with cerebral meningioma. The nontraumatic subdural hematoma selected by Rule 1 is a direct sequel (Rule 3) to cerebral meningioma.

Codes for Record

I (a) Fat embolism I749

(b) Pathological fracture M844

Code line I(a) as non-traumatic since reported due to a disease.

2. Some conditions are indexed directly to a traumatic category but the Classification also provides a nontraumatic category. When these conditions are reported due to or with a disease and an external cause is reported on the record or the Manner of Death box is checked as Accident, Homicide, Suicide, Pending Investigation or Could not be determined, consider the condition as traumatic.

Codes for Record

I (a) Subdural hematoma S065

(b) CVA I64

(c)

II W18

Accident

Fell while walking

Code to other fall on the same level (W18). Subdural hematoma is considered to be traumatic as indexed since “accident” is reported in the Manner of Death box.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral hematoma with S068 I672

(b) cerebral arteriosclerosis

(c)

II X599

Accident

Code to accident NOS (X599). Cerebral hematoma is considered traumatic as indexed since “accident” is reported in the Manner of Death box.

3. Some conditions are indexed directly to a traumatic category, but the Classification also provides a nontraumatic category. When these conditions are reported and the Manner of Death box is checked as Natural, consider these conditions as nontraumatic unless the condition is reported due to or on the same line with an injury or external cause. This instruction applies only to conditions with the term “nontraumatic” in the Index.

Code for Record

I (a) Subdural hematoma I620

(b)

Natural

Code to nontraumatic subdural hematoma (I620). The subdural hematoma is considered to be nontraumatic since “Natural” is reported in the Manner of Death box and is selected by application of General Principle.

Codes for Record

I (a) Subdural hematoma I620

(b)

(c)

II Fracture hip S720 W19

Natural

Fell in hospital

Codes for Record

I (a) Subdural hematoma S065

(b) Open wound of head S019

II Fell in hospital W19

Natural

Code to unspecified fall (W19). Even though Natural is reported in the Manner of Death box, the subdural hematoma is reported due to an injury.

J. Intent of certifier

In order to assign the most appropriate code for a given diagnostic entity, it may be necessary to take other recorded information and the order in which the information is reported into account. It is important to interpret this information properly so the meaning intended by the certifier is correctly conveyed. The following instructions help to determine the intent of the certifier. Apply Intent of Certifier instructions to “See also” terms in the Index and to any synonymous sites or terms as well.

For the following conditions, use the causation tables to determine if the NOS code from the title or the alternative code listed below the title should be used in determining a sequence. If the alternative code forms an acceptable sequence with the condition reported below it, then that sequence should be accepted.

1. Other and unspecified gastroenteritis and colitis of unspecified origin (A099)

a. Code A090 (Gastroenteritis and colitis of infectious origin)

When reported due to:

A000-B99

R75

Y431-Y434

Y632

Y842

Codes for Record

I (a) Enteritis A090

(b) Listeriosis A329

Code I(a) gastroenteritis and colitis of infectious origin, A090, since enteritis is reported due to a condition classified to A329.

EXCEPTION: When the enteritis is reported due to another infectious condition or an organism classified to A49 or B34, refer to Section III, Part J,
7. Organisms and Infections.

b. Code K529 (Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code K529.

Codes for Record

I (a) Enteritis K529

(b) Abscess of intestine K630

Code to K630. The code K630 is listed as a subaddress to K529 in the causation table, so this sequence is accepted.

2. Cavitation of lung (A162)

Code J984 (Nontuberculous cavitation of lung):

When reported due to:

A000-A099
A200-B199
B201-B89
B91-F39
F531
F55
F71-F79
F840-F849
F99-G419
G459-G98
H650-H709
H720-H739
H950-J64
J660-L599
L930-L932
M000-N459
N480-N96
N980-O979
O981-P369
P371-R825
R826
R827-R892
R893
R894-R961
R98-R99
S000-Y899

Codes for Record

I (a) Cavitary lung disease J984

(b) COPD J449

(c)

Code I(a) nontuberculous cavitation of lung, J984, since cavitary lung disease is reported due to a condition classified to J449.

Codes for Record

I (a) Respiratory failure J969

(b) Cardiogenic shock R570

Code I(c) cavitation of lung, A162, since it is not reported due to any other conditions.

3. Spinal Abscess (A180)

Vertebral Abscess (A180)

Code M462 (Nontuberculous spinal abscess):

When reported due to:

A400-A419 H650-H669 M910-M939

A500 H950-H959 M960-M969

A509 J00-J399 N10-N12

A527 J950-J959 N136

A539 K650-K659 N151

B200-B24 K910-K919 N159

B89 L00-L089 N288

B99 M000-M1990 N340-N343

C412 M320-M351 N390

C760 M359 N700-N768

C795 M420-M429 N990-N999

C810-C969 M45-M519 R75

D160-D169 M600 S000-T983

D480 M860-M889

D550-D589 M894

Codes for Record

I (a) Spinal Abscess M462

(b) Staphylococcal septicemia A412

Code I(b) A412, staphylococcal septicemia. The code A412 is listed as a subaddress to M462 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

4. Charcot Arthropathy (A521)

Code G98 (Arthropathy, neurogenic, neuropathic (Charcot), nonsyphilitic):

When reported due to:

A30 Leprosy

E10-E14 Diabetes mellitus

E538 Subacute combined degeneration (of spinal cord)

F101 Alcohol abuse

F102 Alcoholism

G600 Hypertrophic interstitial neuropathy

G600 Peroneal muscular atrophy

G608 Hereditary sensory neuropathy

G901 Familial dysautonomia

G950 Syringomyelia

Q059 Spina bifida, unspecified

Y453 Indomethacin

Y453 Phenylbutazone

Y427 Corticosteroids

Codes for Record

I (a) Charcot arthropathy G98

(b) Diabetes E149

Code to diabetes with other specified complications (E146). Since the E149 is listed as a subaddress under G98 in the Causation Table, use G98 for the Charcot arthropathy. The diabetes selected by general principle links (LDC) with Charcot arthropathy.

5. General Paresis (A521)

a. Code G839 (Paralysis) when reported due to or on the same line with conditions listed in the causation table under G839.

Codes for Record

I (a) General paresis and CVA G839 I64

(b)

(c)

Code to CVA (I64). Since I64 is listed as a subaddress to G839 in the causation table, use G839 as the code for general paresis. The paresis selected by Rule 2 is a direct sequel (DS) to CVA.

b. Code T144 (Paralysis, traumatic) when reported due to or on the same line with a nature of injury or external cause.

Codes for Record

I (a) General paresis T144

(b) Brain injury S069

(c)

II Auto accident V499

Code to auto accident (V499). General paresis due to S069 is coded as traumatic. The codes S00-T98 are invalid for underlying cause so the external cause code is selected.

6. Viral Hepatitis (B161, B169, B171-B179)

Code:

For Viral Hepatitis in Chronic Viral

Categories Hepatitis

B161 B180

B169 B181

B171 B182

B172 B188

B178 B188

B179 B189

When reported as causing liver conditions in:

K721, K7210

K740-K742

K744-K746

Codes for Record

I (a) Cirrhosis of liver K746

(b) Viral hepatitis B B181

Code to chronic viral hepatitis B (B181). Code I(b) as chronic viral hepatitis B, since reported as causing a condition classified to K746.

7. Organisms and Infections NOS (B99)

To code organisms and infections correctly, it is necessary to recognize organisms and infectious conditions. In order to apply the correct instruction, it is also necessary to know how the organisms are classified. There are separate instructions depending on whether the organism is bacterial, viral or other organisms. Listed below are examples of organisms and infectious conditions.

Organisms

Bacterial organisms Viral organisms Organisms classified

classified to A49.- classified to B34.- other than A49.- or B34.-

Escherichia coli Adenovirus Aspergillus

Haemophilus influenzae Coronavirus Candida

Pneumococcal Coxsackie Cytomegalovirus

Staphylococcal Enterovirus Fungus

Streptococcal Parvovirus Meningococcal

Infectious conditions

Abscess Infection Sepsis, Septicemia

Bacteremia Pneumonia Septic shock

Empyema Pyemia Words ending in “itis”

These lists are NOT all inclusive. Use them as a guide.

In order to arrive at the correct underlying cause, the medical entities must first be coded correctly. The following instructions demonstrate how to assign the codes for the record when dealing with infectious conditions. Once the codes for the record are assigned, the selection and modification rules are applied to determine the underlying cause.

In order to determine which infection instruction to use, refer to the Index under the named organism or under Infection, named organism.

a. Bacterial organisms and infections classified to A49 and Viral organisms and infections classified to B34

(1) When an infectious or inflammatory condition is reported and

(a) Is preceded or followed by a condition classified to A49 or B34 or

(b) A condition classifiable to A49 or B34 is reported as the only entry or the first entry on the next lower line or

(c) Is followed by a condition classified to A49 or B34 separated by a connecting term not indicating a due to relationship

(i) If a single code is provided for the infectious or inflammatory condition modified by the condition classified to A49 or B34, use this code. Do not assign a separate code for the condition classifiable to A49 or B34. It may be necessary to use “due to” or “in” in the Index to assign the appropriate code.

Code for Record

I (a) E. Coli diarrhea A044

Code to other intestinal E. coli infections (A044). Code as indexed under Diarrhea, due to, Escherichia coli.

Code for Record

I (a) Pneumonia J129

(b) Viral infection

Code to viral pneumonia, unspecified (J129). Code as indexed under Pneumonia, viral.

Codes for Record

I (a) Meningitis and sepsis G000 A413

(b) H. Influenzae

Code to Haemophilus meningitis (G000). Assign the codes for the record following the Index under Meningitis, Haemophilus (influenzae) and Septicemia, Haemophilus influenzae.

Code for Record

I (a) Sepsis with staph A412

Code to septicemia due to unspecified staphylococcus (A412). Code as indexed under Septicemia, staphylococcus.

Code for Record

I (a) Pneumonia c MRSA J152

Code to pneumonia due to staphylococcus (J152). Code as indexed under Pneumonia, MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus).

(ii) If (i) does not apply, and the Index provides a code for the infectious or inflammatory condition qualified as “bacterial,” “infectious,” “infective” or “viral,” assign the appropriate code based on the reported type of organism. Do not assign a separate code for the condition classified to A49 or B34.

Code for Record

I (a) Coxsackie virus pneumonia J128

Code to other viral pneumonia (J128). Since Coxsackie virus is not specifically listed under pneumonia, code as indexed under Pneumonia, viral, specified NEC.

Code for Record

I (a) Peritonitis K650

(b) Campylobacter

Code to acute peritonitis (K650). Since Campylobacter is not specifically listed under peritonitis, code as indexed under Peritonitis, bacterial.

Code for Record

I (a) Pneumonia with coxsackie virus J128

Code to other viral pneumonia (J128). Since coxsackie virus is not specifically listed under pneumonia, code as indexed under Pneumonia, viral, specified NEC.

(iii) If (i) and (ii) do not apply, assign the NOS code for the infectious or inflammatory condition. Do not assign a separate code for the condition classified to A49 or B34.

Code for Record

I (a) Klebsiella urinary tract infection N390

Code to urinary tract infection (N390). The Index does not provide a code for Infection, urinary tract specified as bacterial, infectious, infective, or Klebsiella; therefore, code as indexed under Infection, urinary tract.

Code for Record

I (a) Pyelonephritis N12

(b) Staphylococcus

Code to pyelonephritis, unspecified (N12). The Index does not provide a code for pyelonephritis specified as bacterial, infectious, infective, or staphylococcal; therefore, code pyelonephritis NOS.

Code for Record

I (a) Pyelonephritis and pseudomonas N12

Code to pyelonephritis, unspecified (N12). The index does not provide a code for pyelonephritis specified as bacterial, infectious, infective, or pseudomonas; therefore, code to pyelonephritis NOS.

b. Organisms and infections classified to categories other than A49 and B34

(1) When an infectious or inflammatory condition is reported and

(a) Is preceded by a condition classifiable to Chapter I other than A49 or B34

(i) Refer to the Index under the infectious or inflammatory condition. If a single code is provided for this condition, modified by the condition from Chapter I, use this code. It may be necessary to use “due to” or “in” in the Index to assign the appropriate code.

Code for Record

I (a) Cytomegaloviral pneumonia B250

Code to cytomegaloviral pneumonitis (B250). Code as indexed under Pneumonia, cytomegaloviral.

(ii) If (i) does not apply, refer to Volume 1, Chapter I to determine if the Classification provides an appropriate fourth character. Indications of appropriate fourth characters for sites would be “of other sites,” “other specified organs,” or “other organ involvement.”

Code for Record

I (a) Candidiasis peritonitis B378

Code to candidiasis of other sites (B378). Since this term is not indexed together, refer to Volume 1 and select the fourth character .8, candidiasis of other sites.

(iii) If (i) and (ii) does not apply, code as two separate conditions.

Codes for Record

I (a) Mononucleosis pharyngitis B279 J029

Code to infectious mononucleosis, unspecified (B279). To assign the codes for the record, note that this term is not indexed together and Volume 1 does not provide an appropriate fourth character under B27.-; therefore, consider as two separate conditions.

(b) A condition from Chapter I other than A49 or B34 is reported as the only entry or the first entry on the next lower line

(i) Code each condition as indexed where reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Peritonitis K659

(b) Candidiasis B379

Code to candidiasis of other sites (B378). Candidiasis is selected by the General Principle, and is a (SDC) with peritonitis. To assign the codes for the record, note that candidiasis is classified to a condition other than A49 or B34.

(c) A condition from Chapter I other than A49 or B34 is reported separated by a connecting term not indicating a due to relationship

(i) Code each condition as indexed where reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pneumonia with candidiasis J189 B379

Code to candidiasis, unspecified (B379). Pneumonia, selected by Rule 2 is a direct sequel (DS) of the candidiasis. To assign codes for the record, note that candidiasis is classified to a condition other than A49 or B34.

c. Do not use HIV or AIDS to modify an infectious or inflammatory condition.

Consider as two separate conditions.

Codes for Record

I (a) HIV pneumonia B24 J189

Code to HIV disease with other infectious and parasitic diseases (B208). HIV, selected by Rule 2, links (LMC) with pneumonia into a combination code of B208.

d. When an infectious or inflammatory condition is reported and

(1) Infection NOS is reported as the only entry or the first entry on the next lower line

• Code the infectious or inflammatory condition where it is entered on the certificate and do not enter a code for infection NOS, but take into account if it modifies the infectious condition.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cholecystitis & arthritis K819 M009

(b) Infection

Code to cholecystitis, unspecified (K819). To assign the codes for the record, note that infection is the only condition on (b). Code cholecystitis as indexed. Cholecystitis modified by infection is coded to cholecystitis NOS. Take into account that infection also modifies arthritis and code as indexed under Arthritis, infectious.

Codes for Record

I (a) Meningitis G039

(b) Infection & brain tumor D432

Code to neoplasm of uncertain or unknown behavior of brain (D432). To assign the codes for the record, note that infection is the first entry on (b). Code meningitis as indexed. Meningitis modified by infection is coded to meningitis NOS.

e. When any condition is reported and a generalized infection such as bacteremia, fungemia, sepsis, septicemia, systemic infection, viremia is reported on a lower line, do not modify the condition by the generalized infection.

Codes for Record

I (a) Bronchopneumonia J180

(b) Septicemia A419

Code to septicemia, unspecified (A419) by General Principle. To assign the codes for the record, note that septicemia is a generalized infection and doesn’t modify the bronchopneumonia.

8. Eaton-Lambert syndrome (C80)

Code G708 (Eaton-Lambert syndrome unassociated with neoplasm)

When reported on a record without a condition from the following categories also reported:

C000-D489

Male, 57 years old Codes for Record

I (a) Aspiration pneumonia J690

(b) Eaton-Lambert syndrome G708

Code Eaton-Lambert syndrome unassociated with neoplasm (G708) since there is no condition from categories C000 - D489 reported anywhere on the record.

Female, 69 years old Codes for Record

I (a) Eaton-Lambert syndrome C80

(b) Small cell lung cancer C349

Code to malignant neoplasm of lung (C349). Code I(a) Eaton-Lambert syndrome (C80) since there is a condition from categories C000-D489 reported on the record.

9. Erythremia (C940)

Code D751 (Secondary erythremia) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code D751.

Codes for Record

I (a) Septicemia A419

(b) Erythremia D751

Code to D45. The code D45 is listed as a subaddress to D751 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

10. Polycythemia (D45)

Code D751 (Secondary polycythemia) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code D751.

Codes for Record

I (a) Polycythemia D751

(b) Pneumonia J189

Code to J189. The code J189 is listed as a subaddress to D751 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

11. Hemolytic Anemia (D589)

Code D594 (Secondary hemolytic anemia) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code D594.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hemolytic anemia D594

(b) Hairy cell leukemia C914

(c)

Code to C914. The code C914 is listed as a subaddress to D594 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

12. Sideroblastic Anemia (D643)

a. Code D641 (Secondary sideroblastic anemia due to disease) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code D641.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pneumonia J189

(b) Sideroblastic anemia D641

Code to K703. The code K703 is listed as a subaddress to D641 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

b. Code D642 (Secondary sideroblastic anemia due to drugs or toxins) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code D642.

Codes for Record

I (a) CHF I500

(b) Sideroblastic anemia D642

Code to D642. The code Y402 is listed as a subaddress to D642 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted. Since the condition being treated is not stated for this drug therapy and the complication is indexed to Chapters I-XVIII, select the complication as the underlying cause.

13. Hemorrhagic Purpura NOS (D693)

Code D690 (Hemorrhagic purpura not due to thrombocytopenia) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code D690.

Codes for Record

I (a) CVA I64

(b) Hemorrhagic purpura D690

Code to C959. The code C959 is listed as a subaddress to D690 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

14. Thrombocytopenia (D696)

Code D695 (Secondary thrombocytopenia) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code D695.

Codes for Record

I (a) Multiple hemorrhages R5800

(b) Thrombocytopenia D695

Code to C349. The code C349 is listed as a subaddress to D695 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

15. Hyperparathyroidism (E213)

Code E211 (Secondary hyperparathyroidism) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code E211.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hypercalcemia E835

(b) Hyperparathyroidism E211

Code to C750. The code C750 is listed as a subaddress to E211 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

16. Korsakov Disease, Psychosis or Syndrome (F106)

Code F04 (nonalcoholic Korsakov disease) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code F04.

Codes for Record

I (a) Korsakoff psychosis F04

(b) Wernicke encephalopathy E512

(c)

Code to E512. The code E512 is listed as a subaddress to F04 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

17. Psychosis (any F29)

Code F09 (Psychosis, organic NEC) when reported due to or on the same line with conditions listed in the causation table under address code F09.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pneumonia J189

(b) Psychosis - cerebrovascular F09 I672

(d) Arteriosclerosis I709

Code to I672. The code I709 is listed as a subaddress to F09 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted. Arteriosclerosis will link (LMP) with cerebrovascular arteriosclerosis in the modification table.

18. Mental Disorder (any F99)

Code F069 (Organic mental disorder)

When reported due to or on the same line with conditions listed in the causation table under address code F069.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiorespiratory arrest I469

(b) Heart failure I509

(d) Multiple sclerosis G35

Code to G35. The code G35 is listed as a subaddress to F069 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

19. Parkinson Disease (G20)
Advanced Parkinson Disease (G2000)
Grave Parkinson Disease (G2000)
Severe Parkinson Disease (G2000)

a. Code G214 (Vascular parkinsonism) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code G214.

Codes for Record

I (a) Parkinsonism G214

(b) Arteriosclerosis I709

(c)

Code to G214 (Vascular parkinsonism) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under G214.

b. Code G219 (Secondary parkinsonism) when reported due to:

A170-A179 B060 B949 R75 Y20-Y369

A504-A539 B200-B24 F200-F209 S000-T357 Y600-Y849

A810-A819 B261 G000-G039 T66-T876 Y850-Y872

A870-A89 B375 G041-G09 T900-T982 Y881-Y899

B003 B900 G20-G2000 T983

B010 B902 G218-G219 X50-X599

B021-B022 B91 G300-G309 X70-X84

B051 B941 I950-I959 X91-Y09

Codes for Record

I (a) Parkinson disease G219

(b) Tuberculous meningitis A170

(c)

Code to G219 (Secondary parkinsonism) when reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under G219.

I (a) Secondary Parkinson disease G219

(b)

(c)

Code to G219 as indexed.

20. Cerebral Sclerosis (G379)

Code I672 (Cerebrovascular atherosclerosis):

a. When reported due to or on the same line with conditions listed in the causation table under address code I672.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral sclerosis I672

(b) Diabetes E149

Code to E149. The code E149 is listed as a subaddress to I672 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

b. When reported as causing

I600-I679
I690-I698

Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral thrombosis I633

(b) Cerebral sclerosis I672

Code to I633. Code (b) as cerebrovascular atherosclerosis since reported as causing a cerebral thrombosis. Cerebrovascular atherosclerosis will link (LMP) with cerebral thrombosis.

21. Myopathy (G729)

Code I429 (Cardiomyopathy) when reported due to:

A150-A1690 E648-E649 R54

A178 E660-E669 R75

A181 E740 T360-T66

A188 E760-E769 T97

B332 E831 X45

B560-B575 E880-E889 X65

B948 I00-I259 Y15

D500-D649 I300-I4290 Y400-Y599

D758 I514-I5150 Y842

E100-E149 I700-I709 Y86-Y872

E40-E519 P200-P220 Y883

E639 P916

E641 R31

Codes for Record

I (a) Myopathy I429

(b) ASHD I251

(c)

Code to I251. The code I251 is listed as a subaddress to I429 in the causation table so this sequence is accepted.

22. Paralysis (any G81, G82, or G83 excluding senile paralysis)

Code the paralysis for decedent age 28 days and over to G80 (Infantile cerebral palsy) with appropriate fourth character:

When reported due to:

P000- P969

Female, 3 months Codes for Record

I (a) Pneumonia 1 wk J189

(b) Paraplegia 3 mos G808

Code to P115. Code the paraplegia to infantile cerebral palsy when reported due to a newborn condition.

23. Varices NOS and Bleeding Varices NOS (I839)

a. Code I859 (Esophageal varices) or

b. Code I850 (Bleeding esophageal varices):

When reported due to or on same line with:

Alcoholic disease classified to: F101-F109

Liver diseases classified to: B150-B199, B251, B942, K700-K769

Toxic effect of alcohol classified to: T510-T519, T97

Codes for Record

I (a) Varices I859

(b) Cirrhosis of liver K746

Code to K746. The code K746 is listed as a subaddress to I859 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

24. Pneumoconiosis (J64)

Code J60 (Coalworker pneumoconiosis):

When Occupation is reported as:

Coal miner

Coal worker

Miner

Codes for Record

Occupation: Coal Miner

I (a) Bronchitis J40

(b) Pneumoconiosis J60

Code to J60. Pneumoconiosis becomes coalworker pneumoconiosis when occupation is reported as coal miner.

25. Diaphragmatic Hernia in K44.-

Code Q790 (Congenital diaphragmatic hernia) when reported as causing hypoplasia or dysplasia of lung NOS (Q336).

Codes for Record

I (a) Lung dysplasia Q336

(b) Diaphragmatic hernia Q790

(c)

Code to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Q790). The code Q790 is listed as a subaddress to Q336 in the causation tables; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

26. Laennec Cirrhosis NOS (K703)

Code K746 (Nonalcoholic Laennec cirrhosis):

When reported due to:

A000-B99
C000-D539
D730-D739
E02-E0390
E100-E149
E500-E519
E52
E530-E849
F110-F169
F180-F199
I050-I099
I110-I119
I130-I4250
I427-I519
I81
K500-K519
K630-K639
K710-K718
K730-K760
K761
K763
K768-K851
K853-K859
K861-K909
Q410-Q459
Q900-Q999
R75
T360-T509
T520-T659
T97
X40-X44
X46-X49
Y400-Y572
Y573
Y574-Y599
Y640
Y86
Y870-Y872
Y880
Y881

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Laennec cirrhosis K746

Code to E149. The code E149 is listed as a subaddress to K746 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

27. Biliary Cirrhosis NOS (K745)

Code K744 (Secondary biliary cirrhosis):

When reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code K744.

Codes for Record

I (a) Biliary cirrhosis K744

(b) Carcinoma pancreas C259

(c)

Code to C259. The code C259 is listed as a subaddress to K744 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

28. Lupus Erythematosus (L930)

Lupus (L930)

Code M321 (Systemic lupus erythematosus with organ or system involvement):

When reported as causing a disease of the following systems:

Anemia

Circulatory (including cardiovascular, lymph nodes, spleen)

Gastrointestinal

Musculoskeletal

Respiratory

Thrombocytopenia

Urinary

Codes for Record

I (a) Nephritis N059

(b) Lupus erythematosus M321

(c)

Code to M321. Lupus is reported as causing a disease of the urinary system; therefore, it is coded as systemic lupus erythematosus.

29. Gout (M109)

Code M104 (Secondary gout):

When reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code M104.

Codes for Record

I (a) Perforated gastric ulcer K255

(b) Gout M104

Code to C880. The code C880 is listed as a subaddress to M104 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

30. Kyphosis (M402)

Code M401 (Secondary kyphosis):

When reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code M401.

Codes for Record

I (a) COPD J449

(b) Kyphosis M401

Code to M479. The code M479 is listed as a subaddress to M401 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

31. Scoliosis (M419)

Code M415 (Secondary scoliosis):

When reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code M415.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pneumonia J189

(b) Scoliosis M415

Code to M340. The code M340 is listed as a subaddress to M415 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

32. Osteonecrosis (M879)

Code M873 (Secondary osteonecrosis):

When reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code M873.

Codes for Record

I (a) Septicemia A419

(b) Osteonecrosis hip M873

Code to M600. The code M600 is listed as a subaddress to M873 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

33. Cesarean Delivery for Inertia Uterus (O622)

Hypotonic Labor (O622)

Hypotonic Uterus Dysfunction (O622)

Inadequate Uterus Contraction (O622)

Uterine Inertia During Labor (O622)

Code O621 (Secondary uterine inertia):

When reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code O621.

Codes for Record

I (a) Uterine inertia O621

(b) Diabetes mellitus of pregnancy O249

Code to O249. The code O249 is listed as a subaddress to O621 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

34. Brain Damage, Newborn (P112)

Code P219 (Anoxic brain damage, newborn)

When reported due to:

A000-P029

P040-P082

P132-P158

P200-R825

R826

R827-R892

R893

R894-R961

R98

Male, 9 hours Codes for Record

I (a) Brain damage P219

(b) Congenital heart disease Q249

Code to Q249. The code Q249 is listed as a subaddress to P219 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence can be accepted.

35. Intracranial Nontraumatic Hemorrhage of Fetus and Newborn (P52)

Code P10 (Intracranial laceration and hemorrhage due to birth injury) with the appropriate fourth character:

When reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code P10:

Male, 9 hours Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral hemorrhage P101

(b) Fractured skull during birth P130

Code to P130. The code P130 is listed as a subaddress to P101 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

36. Hypoplasia or Dysplasia of Lung NOS (Q336)

Code P280 (Primary atelectasis of newborn):

When reported anywhere on the record with the following codes and not reported due to diaphragmatic hernia in K44.- or in Q790, and there is no indication that the condition was congenital:

A500-A509 P280

B200-B24 P350-P399

P000-P009 P612

P011-P013 Q600-Q611

P050-P073 Q613-Q649

P220-P229 R75

Codes for Record

I (a) Hypoplasia lung P280

(b)

(c)

II Prematurity P073

Code to primary atelectasis of newborn (P280).

Female, 5 hrs. Codes for Record

I (a) Dysplasia of lung 5 hrs Q336

(b)

(c)

II Hyaline membrane disease P220

Code to Q336 since the duration and age are the same indicating that the condition was congenital.

37. Fracture (any site) (T142)

Code M844 (Pathological fracture):

a. When reported due to:

A180 D480 M320-M351 M854-M879 Q799

A500-A509 D489 M359 M893-M895 T810-T819

A521 E210-E215 M420-M429 M898-M939 T840-T849

A527-A539 E550-E559 M45-M519 M941-M949 T870-T889

A666 E896-E899 M600 M960

C000-C399 G120-G129 M843-M851 M966-M969

C430-C794 M000-M1990 Q770-Q789

C796-C97

D160-D169

b. When reported due to or on the same line with:

C40-C41 M83

C795 M88

M80-M81

NOTE: If a fracture qualifies as pathological, code all fractures reported of the same site pathological as well.

Codes for Record

I (a) Fracture hip M844

(b) Osteoarthritis M199

Code to M199. The code M199 is listed as a subaddress to M844 in the causation table; therefore, this sequence is accepted.

Codes for Record

I (a) Aspiration pneumonia J690

(b) Left hip fracture M844

II Hip fracture, anemia, osteoporosis M844 D649 M819

Code to M809. Hip fracture in Part II is reported on the same line with osteoporosis and is coded as pathological. Since fracture of the same site is reported on (b), it is coded as pathological as well. The sequence is accepted and Rule C is applied.

38. Starvation NOS (T730)

Code E46 (Malnutrition NOS):

When reported due to:

A000-E649 L100-L129 R13 T058

E670-F509 L400-L409 R54 T065-T08

F530-F539 L510-L539 R600-R609 T091-T099

F608-F609 L890-L899 R630 T141

F680-F73 L97 R633-R634 T148-T149

F920 L984 R75 T170-T217

F982-F983 M000-M1990 S010-S099 T270-T329

F989-G98 M300-N459 S110-S199 T360-T659

I00-J80 N700-N768 S210-S299 T800-T889

J82-J989 O000-Q079 S310-S399 T97

K020-K029 Q200-Q824 T019-T021 T983

K040-K069 Q850-Q999 T029 V010-X52

K080-K929 R11 T041 X54-Y05

Y070-Y899

Codes for Record

I (a) Anemia D649

(b) Starvation E46

Code to C159. Code I(b) as malnutrition since reported due to cancer of esophagus.

39. Compartment Syndrome (T796)

Code M622 (Nontraumatic compartment syndrome):

When reported due to conditions listed in the causation table under address code M622.

Codes for Record

I (a) Compartment syndrome M622

(b) Hemorrhagic pancreatitis K859

Code to K859. Code I (a) M622 since reported due to pancreatitis.

K. Effect of duration on classification

In evaluating the reported sequence of the direct and antecedent causes, the interval between the onset of the disease or condition and time of death must be considered. This would apply in the interpretation of “highly improbable” relationships (Section III, A, 2) and in Modification Rule F (Sequela).

1. Duration on a lower line in Part I shorter than that of one reported above it

If a condition in a “due to” position is reported as having a duration which is shorter than that of one above it, the condition on the lower line is not accepted as the cause.

Codes for Record

I (a) Congestive heart failure 2 days I500

(b) Pneumonia 10 days J189

Code to pneumonia (J189), selected by Rule 1. The duration on I(c) prevents the selection of cerebral embolism as the underlying cause of the condition on I(b).

Codes for Record

I (a) Congestive heart failure 1-10-99 I500

(b) Pneumonia 2-08-99 J189

Code to congestive heart failure (I500), selected by Rule 2. The stated date for the condition reported on I(a) predates those reported on I(b) and I(c); therefore, neither is accepted as the cause of the condition on I(a).

2. Two conditions with one duration

When two or more conditions are entered on the same line with one duration, the duration is disregarded since there is no way to establish the condition to which the duration relates.

Codes for Record

I (a) Chronic myocarditis 2 yrs I514

(b) Chronic nephritis 2 mos N039 N19

Code to chronic nephritis (N039), selected by Rule 1. The duration for the conditions reported on I(b) is disregarded.

Codes for Record

I (a) Myocardial ischemia 2 yrs I259 I219

(b) and myocardial

Code to I219. The duration is disregarded. Myocardial ischemia (I259), selected by Rule 2, links (LMP) with myocardial infarction (I219).

3. Qualifying conditions as acute or chronic

a. Usually the interval between onset of a condition and death should not be used to qualify the condition as “acute” or “chronic.” However, when assigning codes to certain conditions classified as “Ischemic heart diseases” the Classification provides the following specific guidelines for classifying a condition with a stated duration as acute or chronic:

- acute or with a stated duration of 4 weeks or less

- chronic or with a stated duration of over 4 weeks

Code for Record

I (a) Nephritis 2 years N059

Code to nephritis, unqualified (N059). Do not use duration to qualify as chronic.

Code for Record

I (a) Acute myocardial infarction 3 mos. I258

(b)

(c)

Code to infarction, myocardium, acute, with a stated duration of over 4 weeks, I258.

b. For the purpose of interpreting these instructions:

Consider these terms: To mean:

brief 4 weeks or less

days or acute

hours

immediate

instant

minutes

recent

short

sudden

weeks (few) (several)

longstanding over 4 weeks

1 month or chronic

Duration Code for Record

I (a) Aneurysm heart weeks I219

(b)

(c)

Code to aneurysm, heart, with a stated duration of 4 weeks or less, I219. “Weeks” is interpreted to mean 4 weeks or less.

When the interval between onset of a condition and death is stated to be “acute” or “chronic,” consider the condition to be specified as acute or chronic.

Duration Codes for Record

I (a) Heart failure 1 hour I509

(b) Bronchitis acute J209

Code to “acute” bronchitis (J209) since “acute” is reported in the duration block.

c. Exacerbation

Interpret “exacerbation” as an acute phase of a disease. Code “exacerbation” of a chronic specified disease to the acute and chronic stage of the disease if the Classification provides separate codes for “acute” and “chronic.”

Codes for Record

I (a) Exacerbation of chronic

obstructive lung disease J441 J449

Code to the acute and chronic stages of the specified disease since the Classification provides separate codes for the “acute” and “chronic.” The underlying cause code is J441, selected by Rule 2.

d. Acute and chronic

Sometimes the terms, acute and chronic, are reported preceding two or more diseases. In these cases, use the term (“acute” or “chronic”) with the condition it immediately precedes.

Codes for Record

I (a) Chronic renal and liver failure N189 K7290

Code to renal failure, chronic and liver failure NOS. The underlying cause is N189, selected by Rule 2.

4. Conflict in durations

When conflicting durations are entered for a condition, give preference to the duration entered in the space for interval between onset and death.

Duration Code for Record

I (a) Ischemic ht dis - 2 weeks years I259

Use the duration in the block to qualify the ischemic heart disease. Code the underlying cause to I259, selected by the General Principle.

5. Span of dates

Interpret dates entered in the spaces for interval between onset and death that are separated by a slash (/), dash (-), etc., as meaning from the first date to the second date. Disregard such dates if they extend from one line to another and there is a condition reported on both of these lines since the span of dates could apply to either condition.

Date of death 10-6-98 Duration Codes for Record

I (a) MI 10/1/98 - I219

(b) Ischemic heart disease 10/6/98 I259

Disregard duration and code each condition as indexed since the dates extend from I(a) to I(b). Code the underlying cause to I219. Ischemic heart disease (I259), selected by the General Principle, links (LMP) with myocardial infarction (I219).

Date of death 10-6-98 Duration Codes for Record

I (a) Aneurysm of heart 10/1/98 - 10/6/98 I219

(b)

Since there is only one condition reported, apply the duration to this condition. The underlying cause is aneurysm, heart, acute or with a stated duration of 4 weeks or less, I219.

Date of death 10-6-98 Duration Codes for Record

I (a) Ischemic heart disease 10/1/98 - 10/6/98 I249

(b) Arteriosclerosis I709

Apply the duration to I(a). The underlying cause is I249. Arteriosclerosis, I709, selected by General Principle, links (LMP) with ischemic heart disease (I249).

6. Congenital malformations

Conditions classified as congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99), even when not specified as congenital on the death certificate, should be coded as such if the interval between onset and death and the age of the decedent indicate the condition existed from birth.

Female, 45 years Duration Codes for Record

I (a) Heart failure I509

(b) Stricture of aortic Q230

Code to congenital aortic stricture (Q230) because the interval between onset and death and the age of the decedent indicates the condition existed from birth.

7. Congenital conditions

When a sequence is reported involving a condition specified as congenital due to another condition not so specified, both conditions may be considered as having existed from birth provided the sequence is a probable one.

Codes for Record

I (a) Renal failure since birth P960

(b) Hydronephrosis Q620

Code to congenital hydronephrosis (Q620) since this condition resulted in a condition reported as existing since birth.

Do not use the interval between onset and death to qualify conditions classified to categories Q00-Q99, congenital anomalies, as acquired.

Male, 62 years Duration Codes for Record

I (a) Renal failure 3 months N19

(b) Pulmonary stenosis 5 years Q256

Code to Q256, Stenosis, pulmonary. Do not use the duration to qualify the pulmonary stenosis as acquired.

8. Sequela

See Modification Rule F.

9. Subacute

In general, where ICD provides for acute forms of a disease but not for subacute, the subacute forms are classified as for acute. For example, subacute renal failure is coded to acute renal failure (N179).

10. Maternal conditions

Categories O95 (Obstetric death of unspecified cause), O960-O969 (Death from any obstetric cause occurring more than 42 days but less than one year after delivery), and O970-O979 (Death from sequela of obstetric causes) classify obstetric deaths according to the time elapsed between the obstetric event and the death of the woman.

Category O95 is to be used when a woman dies during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or the puerperium and the only information provided is “maternal” or “obstetric” death. If the obstetric cause of death is specified, code to the appropriate category. Category O960-O969 is used to classify deaths from direct or indirect obstetric causes that occur more than 42 days but less than a year after termination of the pregnancy. Category O970-O979 is used to classify deaths from direct or indirect obstetric causes which occur one year or more after termination of the pregnancy

11. 99 in duration block

When 99 is entered in the duration block, interpret as unknown duration.

Duration Codes for Record

I (a) Myocardial infarction 99 weeks I219

Code to Infarction, myocardial I219. Interpret the duration as unknown and do not code as chronic.

L. Effect of “age of decedent” on classification

1. Age of the decedent should always be noted at the time the cause of death is being coded. Certain groups of categories are provided for certain age groups. There are many conditions within certain categories which cannot be properly classified unless the age is taken into consideration.

Generally the following definitions will apply to age at time of death:

Newborn, Neonatal, Neonatorum -less than 28 days, even though death may have occurred later

Infant or Infantile -less than 1 year

Child -less than 18 years

Male, 27 days Code for Record

I (a) G.I. hemorrhage P543

Code to gastrointestinal hemorrhage of newborn (P543).

2. Congenital malformations

Age at the time of death may be used for certain conditions to consider them congenital in origin. Assume the following conditions are congenital provided there is no indication that they were acquired after birth:

If the age of the decedent is:

a. Less than 28 days:

heart disease NOS

hydrocephalus NOS

Female, 27 days Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral edema P524

(b) Hydrocephalus Q039

Code to congenital hydrocephalus (Q039) since the age of decedent is less than 28 days.

b. Less than l year:

aneurysm (aorta, aortic) (brain) (cerebral) (circle of Willis) (coronary) (peripheral) (racemose) (retina) (venous)
aortic stenosis
atresia
atrophy of brain
cyst of brain
deformity
displacement of organ
ectopia of organ
hypoplasia of organ
malformation
pulmonary stenosis
valvular heart disease (any valve)

Male, 2 months Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac failure I509

(b) Aortic stenosis Q230

Code to congenital aortic stenosis (Q230) since the age of decedent is less than 1 year.

M. Sex and age limitations

Where the underlying cause of death is inconsistent with the sex or appears to be inconsistent with the age, the accuracy of the underlying cause of death should be re-examined and the age and/or sex should be verified.

If the sex and cause are inconsistent, the certificate is examined to determine if the medical and demographic data are accurately coded based on reporting. If the sex is determined to be incorrect, correct the data record. If the sex entry is correct but not consistent with the underlying cause of death, the death should be coded to the minimum necessary to be acceptable for either gender.

If the age and cause are inconsistent, the age should be verified by subtracting the date of birth from the date of death and the coded entry should be corrected. Care should be exercised in selecting the correct underlying cause of death in terms of age restrictions in ICD.

Detailed ICD category-age-sex cross edits are contained in the NCHS Instruction Manual, Part 11 (Computer Edits for Mortality Data). These edits are carried out through computer applications that provide listings for correcting data records to resolve data inconsistencies. These listings contain both absolute edits for which age-cause and/or sex-cause must be consistent and conditional edits of age-cause which are unlikely but acceptable following reverification of coding accuracy.

N. Interpretation of expressions indicating doubtful diagnoses

1. Doubtful qualifying expressions

Conditions qualified by expressions such as “apparently,” “presumably,” “?,” “perhaps,” and “possibly” which throw doubt on the statement of cause of death are to be accepted as though no such qualifications were made. The rules for selection will be followed in determining the underlying cause, with no special preference given to conditions which are not qualified by these expressions. When a condition is qualified by “rule out,” “ruled out,” “r/o,” etc., do not assign a code for the condition. When two conditions are reported on one line and both are preceded by one of these doubtful expressions, consider as a statement of either/or.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hemorrhage of stomach K922

(b) Probable ulcers of the stomach K259

Code to ulcer of stomach with hemorrhage (K254).

2. Interpretation of "either…or…”

a. When the condition is qualified by “either ... or ...” with respect to anatomical site, assign to the residual category for the group or anatomical system in which the sites are classified.

Code for Record

I (a) Cancer of kidney or bladder C689

Code to malignant neoplasm of unspecified urinary organs (C689).

b. When the condition is qualified by “either ... or ...” with respect to sites in different anatomical systems, assign to the residual category for the disease or condition specified.

Code for Record

I (a) Cancer of adrenal or kidney C80

Code to malignant neoplasm without specification of site (C80) since adrenal and kidney are in different anatomical systems.

c. When different diseases or conditions are qualified by “either ... or ...,” and only one anatomical site/system is involved, assign to the residual category relating to the anatomical site/system.

Code for Record

I (a) Tuberculosis or cancer of lung J9840

Code to disease of lung (J984). Both conditions involve the lung.

Code for Record

I (a) Stroke or heart attack I99

Code to disease, circulatory system (I99). Both conditions are in the circulatory system.

NOTE: When embolism and thrombosis are qualified by a statement of “either…or…”, code to Clot (I749).

Code for Record

I (a) Cardiac thrombosis vs pulmonary embolism I749

Code to I749, clot (blood). Embolism and thrombosis are both blood clots, and Clot NOS is a more specific category than Disease, circulatory system.

d. When different diseases or conditions are classifiable to the same three character category with different fourth characters, assign to the three character category with fourth character “9.”

Code for Record

I (a) ASCVD or ASHD I259

Code to the residual category for ischemic heart disease (I259).

e. When different diseases or conditions are classifiable to different three character categories and Volume 1 provides a residual category for the disease in general, assign the residual category.

Code for Record

I (a) MI or coronary aneurysm I259

Code to the residual category for ischemic heart disease (I259) using Volume 1.

f. When different diseases or conditions involving different anatomical systems are qualified by “either ... or ...,” assign to “other specified general symptoms and signs (R688).

Code for Record

I (a) Gallbladder colic or R688

(b) coronary thrombosis

Code to other specified general symptoms and signs (R688).

g. When diseases and injuries are qualified by “either ... or ...,” assign to “other ill-defined and unspecified causes of mortality” (R99).

Code for Record

I (a) Coronary occlusion or R99

(b) war injuries

Code to other ill-defined and unspecified causes of mortality (R99).

For doubtful diagnosis involving accidents, suicides, and homicides, refer to Section IV, B, Y10-Y34.

O. Interpretation of nonmedical connecting terms used in reporting

The following connecting terms should be interpreted as meaning “due to, or as a consequence of” when the entity immediately preceding and following these terms is a disease condition, nature of injury or an external cause:

after induced by

arising in or during occurred after

as (a) complication of occurred during

as a result of occurred in

because of occurred when

caused by occurred while

complication(s) of origin

during received from

etiology received in

following resulting from

for resulting when

from secondary to (2°)

in subsequent to

incident to sustained as

incurred after sustained by

incurred during sustained during

incurred in sustained in

incurred when sustained when

sustained while

2/2

The following terms are interpreted to mean that the condition following the term was due to the condition that preceded it:

as a cause of led to

cause of manifested by

caused producing

causing resulted in

followed by resulting in

induced underlying

leading to with resultant

with resulting

The following terms are interpreted to mean “or”:

and/or

versus

The following terms imply that the conditions are meant to remain on the same line. They are separated by “and” or by another connecting term that does not imply a “due to” relationship:

and (&) with (c)

accompanied by precipitated by

also predisposing (to)

associated with superimposed on

complicated by

complicating

consistent with

P. Numbering of causes reported in Part I

Where the certifier has numbered all causes or lines in Part I, that is, 1, 2, 3, etc., the originating antecedent is selected by applying Selection Rule 2. In the application of this rule, consideration is given to all causes which are numbered whether or not the numbering is extended into Part II. This provision applies whether or not the “due to” on lines I(b), I(c), and/or I(d) are marked through.

Codes for Record

I (a) 1. Coronary occlusion I219 E149 I10 I709 N289 J1110

(b) 2. Diabetes, chronic, severe

4. Renal disease

II 5. Influenza, 1 week

Code to coronary occlusion (I219) by applying Selection Rule 2.

Where part of the causes in Part I are numbered, the interpretation is made on an individual basis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Bronchopneumonia J180

(b) 1. Cancer of stomach C169 E149

Code to cancer of stomach (C169) by applying Selection Rule 1. The conditions numbered 1. and 2. are considered as if they were reported on I(b).

Q. Terms that stop the sequence

Includes:

Cause not found Immediate cause unknown

Cause unknown No specific etiology identified

Cause undetermined No specific known causes

Could not be determined Nonspecific causes

Etiology never determined Not known

Etiology not defined Obscure etiology

Etiology uncertain Undetermined

Etiology unexplained Uncertain

Etiology unknown Unclear

Etiology undetermined Unexplained cause

Etiology unspecified Unknown

Final event undetermined ? Cause

Immediate cause not determined ? Etiology

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Stroke I64

(d) Diabetes E149

Code to stroke (I64) using Rule 1. “Cause unknown” on line (c) stops the sequence.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pneumonia J189

(b) Intestinal obstruction K566

(d) Ulcerative colitis K519

Code to ulcerative colitis (K519). “Undetermined” on line (c) stops the sequence. Intestinal obstruction, selected by Rule 1, is considered a direct sequel (DS) of the ulcerative colitis.

Codes for Record

I (a) Gastric ulcer, cause unknown K259

(b) Rheumatoid arthritis

Code to gastric ulcer (K259). “Cause unknown” on line (a) stops the sequence.

R. Querying cause of death

Because the selection of the underlying cause of death is based on how the physician reports causes of death as well as what he reports, State and local vital statistics offices should query certifying physicians where there is doubt that the manner of reporting reflects the true underlying cause of death. Querying is most valuable when carried out by persons who are thoroughly familiar with mortality medical classifi-cation.

It is possible to choose a presumptive underlying cause for any cause-of-death certification no matter how poorly reported. However, selecting the cause by arbitrary rules (Rules 1-3) is not only difficult and time consuming, but the end results often are not satisfactory. No set of arbitrary procedures can deduce what was in the physician’s mind when he certified the cause of death. Querying can be used to great advantage to inform physicians of the proper method of reporting causes of death. It is hoped that intensive querying and other educational efforts will reduce the necessity of resorting to arbitrary rules, and at the same time improve the quality and completeness of the reporting.

When a certifier is queried about a particular cause or for inadequate or missing information he may or may not have at hand, the query should be specific. It should be worded in such a manner that it requires a minimum amount of the certifier’s time. When the queries are sufficiently specific to elicit specific replies, the final coding should reflect this additional information from the certifier.

The NCHS uses the additional information (AI) filmed following the record or received on a separate supplemental document in assigning the underlying cause of death.

Codes for Record

I (a) Congestive heart failure I500

(b) Renal disease N059

AI Renal disease was nephritis

Code to N059, unspecified nephritic syndrome. It is assumed the query was to establish the specific renal disease.

Codes for Record

I (a) Congestive heart failure I500

(b) Hypostatic pneumonia J182

AI Underlying cause was cancer of lung

Code to C349, cancer of lung. It is assumed the query was to establish the cause of the hypostatic pneumonia.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pulmonary embolism I269

(b) Myocarditis I514

(d) C269

AI Underlying cause was cancer of g.i. tract

Code to I514, myocarditis. The additional information cannot be used to replace the reported underlying cause. The reply alone is not sufficient. If this case was queried, either the question or the circumstances of why the AI was included should also have been reported. If the AI had included “the conditions on (b) and (c) should be in Part II,” the reply would have been self-explanatory.

SECTION IV - CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN ICD CATEGORIES

A. Infrequent and Rare Causes of Death in the United States

The ICD contains conditions which are infrequent causes of death in the United States. If one of these conditions (see Appendix A) is reported as a cause of death, the diagnosis should have been confirmed by the certifier or the State Health Officer when it was first reported. A notation of confirmation should be recorded on the copy of the certificate sent to NCHS. In the absence of this notation, the NCHS coder will code the disease as stated; the State Health Officer will be contacted at the time of reconciliation of rejected data record by control cycle to confirm the accuracy of the certification.

B. Coding Specific Categories

The following are the international linkages and notes with expansions and additions concerning the selection and modification of conditions classifiable to certain categories. They are listed in tabular order. Notes dealing with linkages appear at the category from which the combination is EXCLUDED. Therefore, reference should be made to the category or code within parentheses before making the final code assignment. For a more complete listing, refer to NCHS Instruction Manual, Part 2c, ICD-10 ACME Decision Tables for Classifying the Underlying Causes of Death, 2025.

The following notes often indicate that if the provisionally selected code, as indicated in the left-hand column, is present with one of the conditions listed below it, the code to be used is the one shown in bold type. There are two types of combination:

“with mention of” means that the other condition may appear anywhere on the certificate;

“when reported as the originating antecedent cause of” means that the other condition must appear in a correct causal relationship or be otherwise indicated as being “due to” the originating antecedent cause.

A00-B99 Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

Except for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease (B20-B24), when reported as the originating antecedent cause of a malignant neoplasm, code C00-C97.

A15.- Respiratory tuberculosis, bacteriologically and histologically confirmed

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

A16.0 Tuberculosis of lung, bacteriologically and histologically negative

A16.1 Tuberculosis of lung, bacteriological and histological examination not done

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

A16.2-.9 Respiratory tuberculosis, not confirmed bacteriologically or histologically

with mention of:

J60-J64 (Pneumoconiosis), code J65

A17.- Tuberculosis of nervous system

A18.- Tuberculosis of other organs

with mention of:

A16.- (Respiratory tuberculosis), code A16.-, unless reported as the originating antecedent cause of and with a specified duration exceeding that of the condition in A16.-

A22.- Anthrax

Not to be used as the underlying cause if reported with accident, homicide, suicide anywhere on the record, could not be determined in the Manner of Death box only, or designated as an act of terrorism. Code accident (X58), homicide (Y08), suicide (X83), could not be determined (Y33), or terrorism (U016)

A35 Other tetanus

INCLUDES: accidents with mention of tetanus

Codes for Record

I (a) Tetanus A35

(b) Contusion, foot S903

II Accident: Fall W19

Code to tetanus (A35).

Codes for Record

I (a) Tetanus A35

(b) Fracture of hip S720

II X590

Code to tetanus (A35).

A39.2 Acute meningococcemia

A39.3 Chronic meningococcemia

A39.4 Meningococcemia, unspecified

with mention of:

A39.0 (Meningococcal meningitis), code A39.0

A39.1 (Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome), code A39.1

A40.- Streptococcal septicemia

A41.- Other septicemia

A46 Erysipelas

Code to these diseases when they follow a superficial injury (any condition in S00, S10, S20, S30, S40, S50, S60, S70, S80, S90, T00, T09.0, T11.0), or first degree burn; when they follow a more serious injury, code to the external cause of the injury.

Codes for Record

I (a) Septicemia A419

(b) Contusion, foot S903

II Accident: Fall W19

Code to septicemia, unspecified (A419).

Codes for Record

I (a) Septicemia A419

(b) Fracture of hip S720

II X590

Code to external event causing fracture of hip (X590).

A49.- Bacterial infection of unspecified site

This category INCLUDES infection by bacterial organisms unspecified as to location or disease and not classified elsewhere. Specific disease conditions indicated to have been bacterial in origin are classified to the specified disease rather than to A49. Examples: staphylococcal enteritis is classified to A04.8 and pseudomonas pneumonia is classified to J15.1.

A80.9 Acute poliomyelitis, unspecified

This category INCLUDES poliomyelitis specified as acute unless there is clear indication that death occurred more than one year after the onset of poliomyelitis. It also INCLUDES poliomyelitis not specified as acute if it is clearly indicated that death occurred less than one year after onset of the poliomyelitis. Otherwise, poliomyelitis should be assigned to Sequela of poliomyelitis (B91).

B16 Acute hepatitis B

B17 Other acute viral hepatitis

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

K72.1 (Chronic hepatic failure), code B18.-

K74.0-K74.2, K74.4-K74.6 (Fibrosis and cirrhosis of liver), code B18.-

B20-B24 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease

Modes of dying, ill-defined and trivial conditions reported as complications of HIV infection should not be linked to categories in B20-B24 and R75, unless there is a specific entry in Volume 3 to that effect.

Conditions classifiable to two or more subcategories of the same category should be coded to the .7 subcategory of the relevant category (B20 or B21).

If a condition classifiable to categories A00-B19, B25-B49, B58-B64, B99, to which sequela rules apply, is mentioned on the record with HIV (B200-B24, R75), use the active phase of the condition in the application of selection and modification rules.

When a blood transfusion is given as treatment for any condition (e.g. a hematological disorder) and an infected blood supply results in a HIV infection, code the HIV as the underlying cause and not the treated condition.

B22.7 HIV disease with multiple diseases classified elsewhere

This subcategory should be used when conditions classifiable to two or more categories from B20-B22 are listed on the certificate.

B34 Viral infection of unspecified site

This category INCLUDES viral infections unspecified as to location or disease and not classified elsewhere. Specific disease conditions indicated to have been viral in origin are classified to the specific disease rather than to B34. Examples: adenovirus enteritis is classified to A082, and acute viral bronchitis is classified to J208.

B95-B97 Bacterial, viral and other infectious agents

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

C00-D48 Neoplasms

Separate categories are provided for coding malignant primary and secondary neoplasms (C00-C96), Malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97), carcinoma in situ (D00-D09), benign neoplasms (D10-D36), and neoplasms of uncertain or unknown behavior (D37-D48). Categories and subcategories within these groups identify sites and/or morphological types.

Morphology describes the type and structure of cells or tissues (histology) as seen under the microscope and the behavior of neoplasms. The ICD classification of neoplasms consists of several major morphological groups (types) including the following:

Carcinomas including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma

Sarcomas and other soft tissue tumors including mesotheliomas

Lymphomas including Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Site-specific types (types that indicate the site of the primary neoplasm)

Leukemias

Other specified morphological groups

The morphological types of neoplasms are listed following Chapter XX in Volume 1. They are also described in Volume 3 (the Alphabetical Index) with their morphology code and with an indication as to the coding by site. The morphological code numbers consist of five characters: the first four identify the histological type of the neoplasm and the fifth, following a slash, indicates its behavior. These morphological codes (M codes) are not used by NCHS for coding purposes.

The behavior of a neoplasm is an indication of how it will act. The following terms describe the behavior of neoplasms:

Malignant, primary site (capable of rapid growth   C00-C76,
and of spreading to nearby and distant sites)        C80-C97

Malignant secondary (spread from another            C77-C79
site; metastasis)

In-situ (confined to one site)                               D00-D09

Benign (non-malignant)                                      D10-D36

Uncertain or unknown behavior                           D37-D48
(undetermined whether benign or malignant)

Morphology, behavior, and site must all be considered when coding neoplasms. Always look up the morphological type in the Alphabetical Index before referring to the listing under “Neoplasm” for the site. This may take the form of a reference to the appropriate column in the “Neoplasm” listing in the Index when the morphological type could occur in several organs. For example:

Adenoma, villous (M8261/1) - see Neoplasm, uncertain behavior

Or to a particular part of that listing when the morphological type originates in a particular type of tissue. For example:

Fibromyxoma (M8811/0) - see Neoplasm, connective tissue, benign.

The Index may give the code for the site assumed to be most likely when no site is reported in a morphological type. For example:

Adenocarcinoma

- pseudomucinous (M8470/3)

- - specified site - see Neoplasm, malignant

- - unspecified site C56

Or the Index may give a code to be used regardless of the reported site when the vast majority of neoplasms of that particular morphological type occur in a particular site. For example:

Nephroma (M8960/3) C64

Unless it is specifically indexed, code a morphological term ending in “osis” in the same way as the tumor name to which “osis” has been added is coded. For example, code neuroblastomatosis in the same way as neuroblastoma. However, do not code hemangiomatosis which is specifically indexed to a different category in the same way as hemangioma.

All combinations of the order of prefixes in compound morphological terms are not indexed. For example, the term “chondrofibrosarcoma” does not appear in the Index, but “fibrochondrosarcoma” does. Since the two terms have the same prefixes (in a different order), code the chondrofibrosarcoma the same as fibrochondrosarcoma.

A. Malignant neoplasms

When a malignant neoplasm is considered to be the underlying cause of death, it is most important to determine the primary site. Morphology and behavior should also be taken into consideration. Cancer is a generic term and may be used for any morphological group, although it is rarely applied to malignant neoplasms of lymphatic, hematopoietic and related tissues. Carcinoma is sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for cancer. Some death certificates may be ambiguous if there was doubt about the primary site or imprecision in drafting the certificate. In these circumstances, if possible, the certifier should be asked to give clarification.

The categories that have been provided for the classification of malignant neoplasms distinguish between those that are stated or presumed to be primary (originate in) of the particular site or types of tissue involved, those that are stated or presumed to be secondary (deposits, metastasis, or spread from a primary elsewhere) of specified sites, and malignant neoplasms without specification of site.

These categories are the following:

C00-C75 Malignant neoplasms, stated or presumed to be primary, of specified sites and different types of tissue, except lymphoid, hematopoietic, and related tissue

C76 Malignant neoplasms of other and ill-defined sites

C77-C79 Malignant secondary neoplasm, stated or presumed to be spread from another site, metastases of sites, regardless of morphological type of neoplasm

C80 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site (primary) (secondary)

C81-C96 Malignant neoplasms, stated or presumed to be primary, of lymphoid, hematopoietic, and related tissue

C97 Malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites

In order to determine the appropriate code for each reported neoplasm, a number of factors must be taken into account including the morphological type of neoplasm and qualifying terms. Assign malignant neoplasms to the appropriate category for the morphological type of neoplasm, e.g. to the code shown in the Index for the reported term. Morphological types of neoplasm include categories C40-C41, C43, C44, C45, C46, C47, C49, C70-C72, and C80. Specific morphological types include:

C40-C41 Malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage of other and unspecified sites

Osteosarcoma

Osteochondrosarcoma

Osteofibrosarcoma

Any neoplasm cross-referenced as “See also Neoplasm, bone, malignant”

Code for Record

I (a) Osteosarcoma of leg C402

Code to osteosarcoma leg (C402). Code the morphological type “Osteosarcoma” to Neoplasm, bone, malignant.

C43 Malignant melanoma of skin

Melanosarcoma

Melanoblastoma

Any neoplasm cross-referenced as “See also Melanoma”

Code for Record

I (a) Melanoma C439

Code to melanoma, (C439) unspecified site as indexed.

Code for Record

I (a) Melanoma of arm C436

Code to melanoma of arm (C436) as indexed under site classification.

Code for Record

I (a) Melanoma of stomach C169

Code to melanoma of stomach (C169). Since stomach is not found under Melanoma in the Index, the term should be coded by site under Neoplasm, malignant, stomach.

C44 Other malignant neoplasm of skin

Basal cell carcinoma

Sebaceous cell carcinoma

Any neoplasm cross-referenced as “See also Neoplasm, skin, malignant”

Code for Record

I (a) Sebaceous cell carcinoma nose C443

Code to sebaceous cell carcinoma nose (C443). Code the morphological type “Sebaceous cell carcinoma” to Neoplasm, skin, malignant.

C49 Malignant neoplasm of other connective and soft tissue

Liposarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Any neoplasm cross-referenced as “See also Neoplasm, connective tissue, malignant”

Code for Record

I (a) Rhabdomyosarcoma abdomen C494

Code to rhabdomyosarcoma abdomen (C494). Code the morphological type “Rhabdomyosarcoma” to Neoplasm, connective tissue, malignant.

Code for Record

I (a) Sarcoma pancreas C259

Code to sarcoma pancreas (C259). Code the morphological type “Sarcoma” to Neoplasm, connective tissue, malignant. Refer to the “Note” under Neoplasm, connective tissue, malignant, concerning sites which do not appear on this list.

Code for Record

I (a) Angiosarcoma of liver C223

Code angiosarcoma of liver as indexed.

Code for Record

I (a) Kaposi sarcoma of lung C467

Code Kaposi sarcoma of lung to Kaposi’s, sarcoma, specified site (C467).

C80 Malignant neoplasm without specification of site

Cancer

Carcinoma

Malignancy

Malignant tumor or neoplasm

Any neoplasm cross-referenced as “See also Neoplasm, malignant”

Code for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of stomach C169

Code to carcinoma of stomach (C169) as indexed.

C81-C96 Malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue

Leukemia

Lymphoma

Code for Record

I (a) Lymphoma of brain C859

Code to lymphoma NOS (C859). Neoplasms in C81-C96 are coded by morphological type and not by site.

B. Neoplasm stated to be secondary

Categories C77-C79 include secondary neoplasms of specified sites regardless of the morphological type of the neoplasm. The Index contains a listing of secondary neoplasms of specified sites under “Neoplasm.” If a secondary neoplasm of specified site is reported, code to the morphological type, unless it is a C80 morphological type. If the morphological type is C80, code to the secondary neoplasm.

Code for Record

I (a) Secondary carcinoma of intestine C785

Code to secondary carcinoma of intestine (C785).

Codes for Record

I (a) Secondary melanoma of lung C439 C780

Code to melanoma of unspecified site (C439).

C. Malignant neoplasms with primary site indicated

If a particular site is indicated as primary, it should be selected, regardless of the position on the certificate or whether in Part I or Part II. If the primary site is stated to be unknown, see Section H. The primary site may be indicated in one of the following ways:

1. Two or more sites with the same morphology are reported and one site is specified as primary in either Part I or Part II.

Codes for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of bladder C791

II Primary in kidney C64

Code to malignant neoplasm of kidney (C64).

2. The specification of other sites as “secondary,” “metastases,” “metastasis,”

“spread” or a statement of “metastasis NOS” or “metastases NOS.”

Codes for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of breast C509

(b) Secondaries in brain C793

Code to malignant neoplasm of breast (C509), since another site is specified as secondary.

3. Morphology indicates a primary malignant neoplasm.

If a morphological type implies a primary site, such as hepatoma, consider this as if the word “primary” had been included.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic carcinoma C80

(b) Pseudomucinous adenocarcinoma C56

Code to malignant neoplasm of ovary (C56), since pseudomucinous adenocarcinoma of unspecified site is assigned to the ovary in the Alphabetical Index.

If two or more primary sites or morphologies are indicated, these should be coded according to Sections D, E and G.

D. Independent (primary) multiple sites (C97)

The presence of more than one primary neoplasm could be indicated in one of the following ways:

• mention of two different anatomical sites

• two distinct morphological types (e.g. hypernephroma and intraductal carcinoma)

• by a mix of a morphological type that implies a specific site, plus a second site

It is highly unlikely that one primary would be due to another primary malignant neoplasm except for a group of malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic, and related tissue (C81 - C96), within which, one form of malignancy may terminate in another (e.g. leukemia may follow non-Hodgkin lymphoma).

If two or more sites mentioned in Part I are in the same organ system, see Section E. If the sites are not in the same organ system and there is no indication that any is primary or secondary, code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97), unless all are classifiable to C81-C96, or one of the sites mentioned is a common site of metastases or the lung (see Section G).

Codes for Record

I (a) Cancer of stomach 3 months C169

(b) Cancer of breast 1 year C509

Code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97), since two different anatomical sites are mentioned and it is unlikely that one primary malignant neoplasm would be due to another.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hodgkin disease C819

(b) Carcinoma of bladder C679

Code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97), since two distinct morphological types are mentioned.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute lymphocytic leukemia C910

(b) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma C859

Code to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (C859), since both are classifiable to C81-C96 and the sequence is acceptable.

Codes for Record

I (a) Leukemia C959

(b) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma C859

Code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97), since, although two of the neoplasms are classifiable to C81-C96, there is mention of another morphology.

Codes for Record

I (a) Leukemia C959

II Carcinoma of breast C509

Code to leukemia (C959) because the carcinoma of breast is in Part II. When dealing with multiple sites, only sites in Part I of the certificate should be considered (see Section E).

E. Multiple sites

When dealing with multiple sites, generally only sites reported together in Part I or together in Part II of the certificate should be considered except for linkages provided for in the Classification.

If malignant neoplasms of more than one site are entered on the certificate, the site listed as primary should be selected. If there is no indication whether primary or secondary, see Sections C, D and G.

1. More than one neoplasm of lymphoid, hematopoietic or related tissue

If two or more morphological types of malignant neoplasm occur in lymphoid, hematopoietic or related tissue (C81-C96), code according to the sequence given since these neoplasms sometimes terminate as another entity within C81-C96. Acute exacerbation of, or blastic crisis (acute) in, chronic leukemia should be coded to the chronic form.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute lymphocytic leukemia C910

(b) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma C859

Code to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (C859).

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia C910 C911

Code to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (C911).

2. Multiple sites in the same organ/organ system

Malignant neoplasm categories providing for overlapping sites designated by .8 are not used unless a site is specifically indexed to one of these categories, e.g. anorectum cancer.

If the sites mentioned are in the same organ/organ system .9 subcategories should be used. This applies when the certificate describes the sites as one site “and” another or if the sites are mentioned on separate lines. If one or more of the sites reported is a common site of metastases, see Section G.

a. If there is mention of two subsites in the same organ, code to the .9 subcategory of that three-character category.

Codes for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of descending colon and sigmoid C186 C187

Code to malignant neoplasm of colon (C189) since both sites are subsites of the same organ.

Codes for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of head of pancreas C250

(b) Carcinoma of tail of pancreas C252

Code to malignant neoplasm of pancreas, unspecified (C259) since both sites are subsites of the same organ.

b. If two or more sites are mentioned and all are in the same organ system, code to the .9 subcategory of that organ system, as in the following list:

C150-C269             Digestive system
C300-C399             Respiratory system
C400-C419             Bone and articular cartilage of limbs, other and unspecified sites
C490-C499             Connective and soft tissue
C510-C579             Female genital organ
C600-C639             Male genital organ
C64-C689               Urinary organ
C700-C729             Central nervous system
C73-C759               Thyroid and other endocrine glands

Codes for Record

I (a) Pulmonary embolism I269

(b) Cancer of stomach C169

Code to ill-defined sites within the digestive system (C269). Stomach and gallbladder are in the same organ system and reported together in the same part.

Codes for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of vagina and cervix C52 C539

Code to malignant neoplasm of female genital organs (C579). Vagina and cervix are in the same organ system and are reported together in the same part.

c. If there is no available .9 subcategory or different organ systems are reported, code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97).

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Carcinoma of prostate and bladder C61 C679

Code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97), since there is no available .9 subcategory.

d. Although, generally linkages only apply to Part 1, the Classification provides linkages for certain sites when reported anywhere on the certificate.

Codes for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of esophagus C159

(b)

(c)

II Carcinoma of stomach C169

Code to malignant neoplasm of esophagus and stomach (C160). Combine other parts of esophagus, C152 or C155 and stomach, C169 to code C160 in the same manner.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cancer of sigmoid colon C187

(b)

(c)

II Cancer of rectum C20

Code to malignant neoplasm of rectum and colon (C19). Combine colon NOS, C189 and rectum, C20 to code C19 in the same manner.

3. Other exceptions to the multiple sites concept

The following examples are exceptions to the multiple sites concept. Even though the malignant neoplasms are reported in Part I and Part II, apply the linkage as provided by the Classification and Part 2c, Modification Table (Table E).

Codes for Record

I (a) Cholangiocarcinoma C221

II Hepatoma C220

Code to hepatoma (C220).

Codes for Record

I (a) Kaposi sarcoma of soft palate C462

II Kaposi sarcoma of skin C460

Code to Kaposi sarcoma of multiple organs (C468).

Codes for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of facial lymph nodes C770

II Carcinoma of axillary lymph nodes C773

Code to malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of multiple regions (C778).

Codes for Record

I (a) Cleaved cell diffuse lymphoma C831

II Large cell follicular lymphoma C822

Code to mixed small cleaved and large cell follicular lymphoma (C821).

Also, in the same manner, combine C820 and C822 to code C821; combine C833 and C830 to code C832; and combine C830 and C833 to code C832.

F. Implication of malignancy

Mention on the certificate (anywhere) that a neoplasm (D00-D449, D480-D489) has produced secondaries (C77-C79) according to the Index or instructions, or is stated as metastases NOS, or metastases of a site means that the neoplasm must be coded as primary malignant (whether or not on the list of common sites of metastases and even if modified by qualifiers such as benign), even though this neoplasm without mention of metastases would be classified to some other section of Chapter II.

Codes for Record

I (a) Brain metastasis C793

(b) Lung tumor C349

Code to malignant lung tumor (C349).

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic involvement of chest wall C798

(b) Carcinoma in situ of breast C509

Code to malignant carcinoma of breast (C509).

Codes for Record

I (a) Lung cancer with metastasis C349 C80

II Hypertension, Benign spinal cord tumor I10 C720

Code to malignant lung cancer (C349).

G. Metastatic neoplasm

When a malignant neoplasm spreads or metastasizes it generally retains the same morphology even though it may become less differentiated. Some metastases have such a characteristic microscopic appearance that the pathologist can infer the primary site with confidence, e.g. thyroid. Widespread metastasis of a carcinoma is often called carcinomatosis. The adjective “metastatic” is used in two ways - sometimes meaning a secondary from a primary elsewhere and sometimes denoting a primary that has given rise to metastases. Neoplasms qualified as metastatic are always malignant, either primary or secondary.

Although malignant cells can metastasize anywhere in the body, certain sites are more common than others and must be treated differently (see list of common sites of metastases). However, if one of these sites appears alone on a death certificate and is not qualified by the word “metastatic,” it should be considered primary.

Common sites of metastases

Bone Lymph nodes

Brain Mediastinum

Central nervous system Meninges

Diaphragm Peritoneum

Heart Pleura

Ill-defined sites (sites classifiable to C76) Retroperitoneum

Liver Spinal cord

Lung

Code for Record

I (a) Cancer of brain C719

Code to primary cancer of brain since it is reported alone on the certificate.

• Special instruction: lung

The lung poses special problems in that it is a common site for both metastases and primary malignant neoplasms. Lung should be considered as a common site of metastases whenever it appears in Part I with sites not on this list. If lung is mentioned anywhere on the certificate and the only other sites are on the list of common sites of metastases, consider lung primary. However, when the bronchus or bronchogenic cancer is mentioned, this neoplasm should be considered primary.

Code for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of lung C349

Code to malignant neoplasm of lung since it is reported alone on the certificate.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cancer of bone C795

(b) Carcinoma of lung C349

Code to primary malignant neoplasm of lung (C349) since bone is on the list of common sites of metastases and lung can, therefore, be assumed to be primary.

Codes for Record

I (a) Carcinoma of bronchus C349

(b) Carcinoma of breast C509

Code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97) because bronchus is excluded from the list of common sites.

• Special Instruction: lymph node

Malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes not specified as primary should be assumed to be secondary.

Code for Record

I (a) Cancer of cervical lymph nodes C770

Code to secondary malignant neoplasm of cervical lymph nodes (C770).

1. Only one site reported and it’s a common site of metastases

If one of the common sites of metastases, except lung, is described as metastatic and no other site or morphology is mentioned, code to secondary neoplasm of the site (C77-C79). If the single site is lung, qualified as metastatic, code to primary of lung.

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic brain cancer C793

Code to secondary malignant neoplasm of brain (C793).

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic carcinoma of lung C349

Code to malignant neoplasm of lung (C349).

2. All sites reported are common sites of metastases

If all sites reported (anywhere on the record) are on the list of common sites of metastases, code to unknown primary site of the morphological type involved, unless lung is mentioned, in which case code to malignant neoplasm of lung (C349). If, however, the sites are the same, code to primary neoplasm of the site reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cancer of liver C787

(b) Cancer of abdomen C798

Code to malignant neoplasm without specification of site (C80), since both are on the list of common sites of metastases. (Abdomen is one of the ill-defined sites included in C76.-.)

Codes for Record

I (a) Cancer of brain C793

(b) Cancer of lung C349

Code to cancer of lung (C349), since lung in this case is considered to be primary, because brain, the only other site mentioned, is on the list of common sites of metastases.

Codes for Record

I (a) End stage liver cancer 1 week C229

(b) Liver cancer 6 weeks C229

Code to primary cancer of liver (C229) since both sites are the same.

3. One of the sites reported is a common site of metastases

If only one of the sites mentioned is on the list of common sites of metastases or lung, code to the site not on the list.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cancer of lung C780

(b) Cancer of breast C509

Code to malignant neoplasm of breast (C509). In this case, lung is considered to be a common site because breast is not on the list of common sites of metastases.

4. Common sites reported with other sites or morphological types

If one or more of the sites mentioned is a common site of metastases (see list of common sites of metastases) but two or more sites or different morphological types are also mentioned, code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97) (see Section D). If sites are in the same organ system see Section E.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cancer of liver C787

(b) Cancer of bladder C679

Code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97), since liver is on the list of common sites of metastases and there are still two other independent sites.

5. Multiple sites with none specified as primary

If one of the common sites of metastases, excluding lung, is reported anywhere on the certificate with one or more site(s), or one or more morphological type(s), none specified as primary, code to the site or morphological type not on list of common sites.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cancer of stomach C169

(b) Cancer of liver C787

Code to malignant neoplasm of stomach (C169). The cancer of liver is presumed secondary because it is on the list of common sites.

Codes for Record

I (a) Peritoneal cancer C786

II Mammary carcinoma C509

Code to malignant neoplasm of breast (C509). The peritoneal cancer is presumed secondary because it is on the list of common sites.

Codes for Record

I (a) Brain carcinoma C793

II Melanoma of scalp C434

Code to melanoma of scalp (C434). The brain carcinoma is presumed secondary because it is on the list of common sites.

NOTE: If a malignant neoplasm of lymphatic, hematopoietic, or related tissue (C81-C96) is reported in one part and one of the common sites of metastases is mentioned in the other part, code to the malignant neoplasm reported in Part I.

Codes for Record

I (a) Brain cancer C719

II Lymphoma C859

Code to malignant brain cancer (C719). Since the condition in Part II is a malignant neoplasm of lymphatic, hematopoietic, or related tissue, only Part I conditions are considered.

Codes for Record

I (a) Brain cancer C793

(b) Lymphoma C859

Code to lymphoma (C859). Brain cancer is presumed secondary, because it is reported in the same part as a malignant neoplasm of lymphatic, hematopoietic, or related tissue.

If lung is mentioned in the same part with another site(s), not on the list of common sites, or one or more morphological types(s), consider the lung as secondary and the other site(s) as primary. If lung is mentioned in one part, and one or more site(s), not on the list of common sites, or one or more morphological type(s) is mentioned in the other part, code to the malignant neoplasm reported in Part I.

Codes for Record

I (a) Lung cancer C780

(b) Stomach cancer C169

Code to malignant stomach cancer (C169). Lung cancer is presumed secondary because it is reported in the same part as another site.

Codes for Record

I (a) Lung cancer C780

(b) Leukemia C959

Code to leukemia (C959). Lung cancer is presumed secondary because it is reported in the same part as another morphological type.

Codes for Record

I (a) Bladder carcinoma C679

II Lung cancer, breast cancer C780 C509

Code to malignant bladder carcinoma (C679) because lung cancer and breast cancer are reported in Part II.

Codes for Record

I (a) Lung cancer C349

II Stomach cancer C169

Code to malignant lung cancer (C349), since lung cancer is reported in Part I and stomach is reported in Part II.

6. Metastatic from

Malignant neoplasm described as “metastatic from” a specified site should be interpreted as primary of that site.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic teratoma from C80

(b) ovary C56

Code to malignant neoplasm of ovary (C56).

7. Metastatic to

Malignant neoplasm described as “metastatic to” a specified site should be interpreted as primary of the site or morphological type that produced the metastasis (metastatic to) and all other sites should be coded as secondary unless stated as primary, whether in Part I or Part II.

Malignant neoplasm described as metastatic of a specified site to a specified site should be interpreted as primary of the site specified as “of a site.”

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic carcinoma to the rectum C785

Code to secondary malignant neoplasm of rectum (C785). The word “to” indicates that rectum is secondary.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic osteosarcoma to brain C419 C793

Code to malignant neoplasm of bone (C419) since this is the code for unspecified site of osteosarcoma.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic cancer of liver to brain C229 C793

II Esophageal cancer C788

Code to primary cancer of liver (C229). The word “to” indicates that the liver is primary.

8. A single malignant neoplasm described as “metastatic (of)”

The terms “metastatic” and “metastatic of” should be interpreted as follows:

a. If one site is mentioned and this is qualified as metastatic, code to malignant primary of that particular site if the morphological type is C80 and the site is not a common metastatic site excluding the lung.

Code for Record

I (a) Cervix cancer, metastatic C539

Code to malignant neoplasm of cervix (C539).

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic cancer of lung C349

Code to primary malignant neoplasm of lung since no other site is mentioned.

b. If one site is qualified metastatic and there are other sites specified as "secondary", "metastases", "metastasis", "spread", or a statement of "metastasis NOS" or "metastases NOS", code the site qualified metastatic as primary and all other sites, secondary whether in Part I or Part II. If, however, lung is mentioned in one part and the metastatic neoplasm in the other part, code lung primary.

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic breast cancer with brain metastases C509 C793

II Lung cancer C349

Code to malignant breast cancer (C509). Code I(a) as primary malignant neoplasm of breast since there is a statement of metastases on the record. Part II is coded as primary lung cancer but is not considered since it is reported in a different part.

c. If no site is reported but the morphological type is qualified as metastatic, code as for primary site unspecified of the particular morphological type involved.

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic oat cell carcinoma C349

Code to malignant neoplasm of lung (C349) since oat cell carcinoma of unspecified site is assigned to the lung in the Alphabetical Index.

d. If a single morphological type and a site, other than a common metastatic site (see list of common sites of metastases), are mentioned as metastatic, code to the specific category for the morphological type and site involved.

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic melanoma of arm C436

Code to malignant melanoma of arm (C436), since in this case the ill-defined site of arm is a specific site for melanoma, not a common site of metastases classifiable to C76.

e. If a single morphological type is qualified as metastatic and the site mentioned is one of the common sites of metastases except lung, code the unspecified site for the morphological type, unless the unspecified site is classified to C80 (malignant neoplasm without specification of site), in which case, code to secondary malignant neoplasm of the site mentioned.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic osteosarcoma of brain C419 C793

Code to malignant neoplasm of bone, unspecified (C419), since brain is on the list of common sites of metastases.

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic cancer of peritoneum C786

Code to secondary cancer of peritoneum (C786), since peritoneum is on the list of common sites of metastases and the morphological type of neoplasm is classified to C80.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma C499 C771

(b) of hilar lymph nodes

Code to unspecified site for rhabdomyosarcoma (C499).

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic sarcoma of lung C349

Code to malignant neoplasm of lung (C349), since lung is not considered a common site for this instruction.

EXCEPTION: Metastatic mesothelioma or metastatic Kaposi sarcoma.

1. If site IS indexed under “Mesothelioma" or "Kaposi's sarcoma,” assign that code.

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic mesothelioma of liver C457

Code to mesothelioma, liver (C457).

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic mesothelioma of mesentery C451

Code to mesothelioma of mesentery (C451).

2. If site is NOT indexed under “Mesothelioma" or "Kaposi's sarcoma” and the site reported is NOT a common site of metastasis, code to specified site NEC.

Code for Record

I (a) Metastatic mesothelioma of kidney C457

Code to mesothelioma specified site NEC. Kidney is not a common site of metastases.

3. If site is NOT indexed under “Mesothelioma" or "Kaposi’s sarcoma” and site reported IS a common site of metastasis, code to unspecified site NEC.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic mesothelioma of C459 C779

(b) lymph nodes

Code to mesothelioma (C459). Lymph nodes is on the list of common sites and is not indexed under mesothelioma.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic Kaposi's sarcoma of brain C469 C793

Code to Kaposi’s sarcoma (C469). Brain is on the list of common sites and is not indexed under Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Code for Record

I (a) Kaposi's sarcoma of brain C467

Code to specified site of Kaposi sarcoma (C467) since not qualified as metastatic.

f. If there is a mixture of several sites qualified as metastatic and several other sites are mentioned, refer to the rules for multiple sites (see Sections D and E).

9. More than one malignant neoplasm qualified as metastatic

a. If two or more sites with the same morphology, not on the list of common sites of metastases, are reported and all are qualified as “metastatic,” code as primary site unspecified of the anatomical system and/or of the morphological type involved.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic carcinoma of prostate C798

(b) Metastatic carcinoma of skin C792

Code to malignant neoplasm without specification of site (C80), since two or more sites of the same morphology, not on the list of common sites of metastases, are reported and all are qualified as metastatic.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic stomach carcinoma C169

(b) Metastatic pancreas carcinoma C259

Code to ill-defined sites within the digestive system (C269) since both sites are in the same anatomical system.

b. If two or more morphological types are qualified as metastatic, code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97) (see Section D).

Codes for Record

I (a) Bowel obstruction K566

(b) Metastatic adenocarcinoma of bowel C260

Code to malignant neoplasms of independent (primary) multiple sites (C97).

c. If a morphology implying site and an independent anatomical site are both qualified as metastatic, code to malignant neoplasm without specification of site (C80).

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic colonic and renal cell carcinoma C785 C790

Code to malignant neoplasm without specification of site (C80).

d. If more than one site with the same morphology is mentioned and all but one are qualified as metastatic or appear on the list of common sites of metastases, code to the site that is not qualified as metastatic, irrespective of the order of entry or whether it is in Part I or Part II. If all sites are qualified as metastatic or on the list of common sites of metastases, including lung, code to malignant neoplasm without specification of site (C80).

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic carcinoma of stomach C788

(b) Carcinoma of gallbladder C23

Code to malignant neoplasm of gallbladder (C23).

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic carcinoma of stomach C788

(b) Metastatic carcinoma of lung C780

II Carcinoma of colon C189

Code to malignant neoplasm of colon (C189), since this is the only diagnosis not qualified as metastatic, even though it is in Part II.

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic carcinoma of ovary C796

(b) Carcinoma of lung C780

Code to malignant neoplasm without specification of site (C80).

Codes for Record

I (a) Metastatic carcinoma of stomach C788

(b) Metastatic carcinoma of breast C798

Code to malignant neoplasm without specification of site (C80), since breast and stomach do not belong to the same anatomical system and lung is on the list of common sites of metastases.

H. Primary site unknown

If the statement, “primary site unknown,” or its equivalent, appears anywhere on a certificate, code to the category for unspecified site for the morphological type involved (e.g. adenocarcinoma C80, fibrosarcoma C499, osteosarcoma C419), regardless of the site(s) mentioned elsewhere on the certificate.

Consider the following terms as equivalent to “primary site unknown”:

? Origin (Questionable origin)

? Primary (Questionable primary)

? Site (Questionable site)

? Source (Questionable source)

Undetermined origin

Undetermined primary

Undetermined site

Undetermined source

Unknown origin

Unknown primary

Unknown site

Unknown source

Codes for Record

I (a) Secondary carcinoma of liver C80 C787

(b) Primary site unknown

(c)

Code to carcinoma without specification of site (C80).

Codes for Record

I (a) Generalized metastases C80

(b) Melanoma of back C439 C798

Code to malignant melanoma of unspecified site (C439).

NOTE: When "primary site unknown" or its equivalent appears on the certificate and a doubtful expression such as presumed or probably is reported qualifying a specific site(s), interpret the primary to be the site(s) following the doubtful qualifying expression and code as primary.

I (a) Cancer unk primary, presumed lung C349

Code to primary lung cancer (C349).

I. Sites with prefixes or imprecise definitions

Neoplasms of sites prefixed by “peri,” “para,” “pre,” “supra,” “infra,” etc. or described as in the “area” or “region” of a site, unless these terms are specifically indexed, should be coded as follows: for morphological types classifiable to one of the categories C40, C41 (bone and articular cartilage), C43 (malignant melanoma of skin), C44 (other malignant neoplasms of skin), C45 (mesothelioma), C47 (peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system), and C49 (connective and soft tissue), C70 (meninges), C71 (brain), and C72 (other parts of central nervous system), code to the appropriate subdivision of that category; otherwise code to the appropriate subdivision of C76 (other and ill-defined sites).

Code for Record

I (a) Fibrosarcoma in the region of the leg C492

Code to malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of lower limb (C492).

Code for Record

I (a) Carcinoma in the lung area C761

Code to malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined sites within the thorax.

J. Doubtful diagnosis

Malignant neoplasms described as one site “or” another, or if “or” is implied, should be coded to the category that embraces both sites. If no appropriate category exists, code to the unspecified site of the morphological type involved. This rule applies to all sites whether they are on the list of common sites of metastases or not.

I (a) Carcinoma of ascending or descending colon

Code to malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified (C189).

I (a) Osteosarcoma of lumbar vertebrae or sacrum

Code to malignant neoplasm of bone, unspecified (C419).

K. Malignant neoplasms of unspecified site with other reported conditions

When the site of a primary malignant neoplasm is not specified, no assumption of the site should be made from the location of other reported conditions such as perforation, obstruction, or hemorrhage. These conditions may arise in sites unrelated to the neoplasm, e.g. intestinal obstruction may be caused by the spread of an ovarian malignancy.

Codes for Record

I (a) Obstruction of intestine K566

(b) Carcinoma C80

Code to malignant neoplasm without specification of site (C80).

L. Mass or lesion with malignant neoplasms

When mass or lesion is reported with malignant neoplasms, code the mass or lesion as indexed.

Codes for Record

I (a) Lung mass R91

(b) Carcinomatosis C80

Code to carcinomatosis (C80).

E10-E14 Diabetes mellitus

with mention of:

E87.2 (Acidosis), code E10-E14 with fourth character .1

R02 (Gangrene, not elsewhere classified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .5

R40.2 (Coma, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .0

R79.8 (Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry), if acetonemia, azotemia, and related conditions, code E10-E14 with fourth character .1

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

E15 (Nondiabetic hypoglycaemic coma), if unspecified hypoglycemic coma, code to E1x.0

E88.8 (Other specified metabolic disorders), code E10-E14 with fourth character .1

G58.- (Other mononeuropathies), code E10-E14 with fourth character .4

G62.9 (Polyneuropathy, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .4

G64 (Other disorders of peripheral nervous system), code E10-E14 with fourth character .4

G70.9 (Myoneural disorder, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .4

G71.8 (Other primary disorders of muscles), code E10-E14 with fourth character .4

G90.9 (Disorder of autonomic nervous system, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .4

G98 (Other disorders of the nervous system, not elsewhere classified), except Charcot arthropathy, non-syphilitic, code to E1x.4

G98 (Other disorders of the nervous system, not elsewhere classified), if Charcot arthropathy, non-syphilitic, code to E1x.6

H20.9 (Iridocyclitis, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

H26.9 (Cataract, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

H30.9 (Chorioretinal inflammation, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

H34.- (Retinal vascular occlusions), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

H35.0 (Background retinopathy and retinal vascular changes), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

H35.2 (Other proliferative retinopathy), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

H35.6 (Retinal haemorrhage), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

H35.9 (Retinal disorder, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

H49.9 (Paralytic strabismus, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

H54.- (Visual impairment including blindness (binocular or monocular)), code E10-E14 with fourth character .3

I70.2 (Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities), code E10-E14 with fourth character .5

I73.9 (Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .5

I99 (Other and unspecified disorders of circulatory system), if angiopathy, code E10-E14 with fourth character .5

K31.8 (Other specified diseases of stomach and duodenum), if gastroparesis, code to E1x.4

L30.9 (Dermatitis, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .6

L92.1 (Necrobiosis lipoidica, not elsewhere classified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .6

L97 (Ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified), code to E1x.5

L98.4 (Chronic ulcer of skin, not elsewhere classified), code to E1x.5

M13.9 (Arthritis, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .6

M79.2 (Neuralgia and neuritis, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .6

M89.9 (Disorder of bone, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .6

N03- N05 (Nephrotic syndrome), code E10-E14 with fourth character .2

N18.- (Chronic kidney disease), code E10-E14 with fourth character.2

N19 (Unspecified kidney failure), code E10-E14 with fourth character .2

N26 (Unspecified contracted kidney), code E10-E14 with fourth character .2

N28.9 (Disorder of kidney and ureter, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .2

N39.0 (Urinary tract infection, site not specified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .6

N39.1 (Persistent proteinuria, unspecified), code E10-E14 with fourth character .2

E40-E46, E63.9, E64.0, E64.9

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

E10.0-E10.9 (Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus), code to E12

E11.0-E11.9 (Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), code to E12

E14.0-E14.9 (Unspecified diabetes mellitus), code to E12

E86 Volume depletion

with mention of:

A00-A09 (Intestinal infectious diseases), code A00-A09

E89.- Postprocedural endocrine and metabolic disorders, not elsewhere classified

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

F03-F09 Organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders

Not to be used if the underlying physical condition is known.

F10-F19 Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use

with mention of:

X40-X49 (Accidental poisoning by and exposure to noxious substances), code X40-X49

X60-X69 (Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to noxious substances), code X60-X69

X85-X90 (Assault by noxious substances), code X85-X90

Y10-Y19 (Poisoning by and exposure to drugs, chemicals and noxious substances), code Y10-Y19

Fourth character .0 (Acute intoxication), code X40-X49, X60-X69, X85-X90 or Y10-Y19

Fourth character .5 (Psychotic disorder) with mention of

Dependence syndrome (.2), code F10-F19 with fourth character .2

F10.- Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol

with mention of:

E24.4 (Alcohol-induced Cushing syndrome), code E24.4

G31.2 (Degeneration of the nervous system due to alcohol), code G31.2

G62.1 (Alcoholic polyneuropathy), code G62.1

G72.1 (Alcoholic myopathy), code G72.1

I42.6 (Alcoholic cardiomyopathy), code I42.6

K29.2 (Alcoholic gastritis), code K29.2

K70.- (Alcoholic liver disease), code K70.-

K72.- (Hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified), code K70.4

K73.- (Chronic hepatitis, not elsewhere classified), code K70.1

K74.0 (Hepatic fibrosis), code K70.2

K74.1- (Hepatic sclerosis), code K70.2

K74.2- (Hepatic fibrosis with hepatic sclerosis), code K70.2

K74.6. (Other and unspecified cirrhosis of liver), code K70.3

K75.9- (Inflammatory liver disease, unspecified), code K70.1

K76.0- (Fatty (change) of liver, not elsewhere classified), code K70.0

K76.9- (Liver disease, unspecified), code K70.9

K85.2 (Alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis), code K85.2

K86.0 (Alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis), code K86.0

O35.4 (Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol), code O35.4

F10.2 Dependence syndrome due to use of alcohol

with mention of:

F10.4, F10.6, F10.7 (Withdrawal state with delirium), (Amnesic syndrome), (Residual and late-onset psychotic disorder), code F10.4, F10.6, F10.7

F17.- Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of tobacco

Not to be used if the resultant physical condition is known.

NOTE: For the purpose of determining the UC, consider F17.- as though ill-defined, unless the only other conditions reported are ill-defined.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pneumothorax J939

(b) Smoking F179

Code to pneumothorax (J939). Smoking selected by General principle is ignored.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac Arrest I469

(b) Tobacco Abuse F171

Code to Tobacco abuse (F171). Since the only other condition reported is ill-defined, no reselection is made.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute respiratory failure J960

II F179

Did tobacco use contribute to death?

Yes ☒ Probably ☐

No ☐ Unknown ☐

Code to Tobacco use (F179). Since the only other condition reported is ill-defined, F179 is selected as UC.

F11.9, F12.9 Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of drugs

F13.9, F14.9

F15.9, F16.9

F18.9, F19.9

INCLUDES: “drug use NOS” and “named drug use” of named drugs indexed under Addiction\Dependence , Volume 3

EXCLUDES: “drug use NOS” and “named drug use” when reported as causing a complication. If there is a resulting complication, consider as drug therapy and apply instructions under Y40-Y59, Drugs, medicaments and biological substances causing adverse effects in therapeutic use.

Codes for Record

I (a) Heroin use F119

(b)

II Acute intravenous drug use F199

Code to heroin use (F119).

Codes for Record

I (a) Melanoma of back C435

(b)

II Use of hypnotics F139

Code to melanoma of back (C435).

Code for Record

I (a) Intravenous drug use F119

(b) (morphine)

Accident

Code to intravenous morphine use (F119).

F70-F79 Mental retardation

Not to be used if the underlying physical condition is known.

G25.5 Other chorea

with mention of:

I00-I02 (Acute rheumatic fever), code I02.-

I05-I09 (Chronic rheumatic heart disease), code I02.-

G40-G41 Epilepsy

INCLUDES: accidents resulting from epilepsy

EXCLUDES: epilepsy stated as traumatic (code to the appropriate category in Chapter XX; if the nature and cause of the injury are not known, code Y86)

G81.- Hemiplegia

G82.- Paraplegia and tetraplegia

G83.- Other paralytic syndromes

Not to be used if the cause of the paralysis is known.

G97.- Postprocedural disorders of nervous system, not elsewhere classified

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

H54.- Blindness and low vision

Not to be used if the antecedent condition is known.

H59.- Postprocedural disorders of eye and adnexa, not elsewhere classified

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

H90.- Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss

H91.- Other hearing loss

Not to be used if the antecedent condition is known.

H95.- Postprocedural disorders of ear and mastoid process, not elsewhere classified

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

I00-I09 Acute and chronic rheumatic heart diseases

A. Multiple heart conditions with one heart condition specified as rheumatic:

If rheumatic fever or any disease of the heart is stated to be of rheumatic origin or is specified to be rheumatic, such qualifications will apply to each specific heart condition reported (classified to I300-I319, I339, I340-I38, I400-I409, I429, I514-I519), even though it is not so qualified, unless another origin such as arteriosclerosis is mentioned.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute bacterial endocarditis I330

(b) Mitral insufficiency I051

Code to rheumatic mitral insufficiency (I051). Rheumatic endocarditis, selected by the General Principle, links (LMP) with rheumatic mitral insufficiency. The mitral insufficiency is coded as rheumatic since it is reported with a heart disease specified as rheumatic.

B. When a condition listed in category I50.- is indicated to be “due to” rheumatic fever and there is no mention of another heart disease that is classifiable as rheumatic, consider the condition in I50.- to be described as rheumatic.

. Codes for Record

I (a) Heart failure I099

(b) Rheumatic fever I00

Code to rheumatic heart disease (I099). Consider the heart failure to be rheumatic since it is due to rheumatic fever and there is no other heart disease on the record classifiable as rheumatic.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute congestive failure I500

(b) Hypertensive myocarditis I119

Code to hypertensive heart disease with congestive heart failure (I110). Even though rheumatic is stated on the record, it cannot be applied to the heart diseases reported.

C. When diseases of the mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valves, not qualified as rheumatic, are jointly reported, whether on the same line or on separate lines, code the disease of all valves as rheumatic unless there is indication to the contrary.

Codes for Record

I (a) Mitral endocarditis c I059 I051 I050

(b) insufficiency and stenosis

Code to disorders of both mitral and aortic valves (I080). Conditions of both valves are considered as rheumatic since the diseases of the mitral and aortic valves are jointly reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Aortic and tricuspid regurgitation I061 I071

(b) Aortic stenosis I060

Code to disorders of both aortic and tricuspid valves (I082). Conditions of both valves are considered as rheumatic since the diseases of the aortic and the tricuspid valves are jointly reported.

D. When mitral insufficiency, incompetence, or regurgitation are jointly reported with mitral stenosis NOS (or synonym), code all these conditions as rheumatic unless there are indications to the contrary.

Codes for Record

I (a) Mitral stenosis I050

(b) Mitral insufficiency I051

Code to mitral stenosis with insufficiency (I052). Mitral insufficiency is considered as rheumatic since it is reported jointly with mitral stenosis.

I01.- Rheumatic fever with heart involvement

This category INCLUDES active rheumatic heart disease. If there is no statement that the rheumatic process was active at the time of death, assume activity (I010-I019) for each rheumatic heart disease (I050-I099) on the certificate in any one of the following situations:

A. Rheumatic fever or any rheumatic heart disease is stated to be active or recurrent.

Codes for Record

I (a) Mitral stenosis I011

(b) Active rheumatic myocarditis I012

Code to other acute rheumatic heart disease (I018). Active rheumatic mitral stenosis is classified to I011 when it is reported with an active rheumatic heart disease. Therefore, the underlying cause is I018 since this category includes multiple types of heart involvement.

B. The duration of rheumatic fever is less than 1 year.

Codes for Record

I (a) Congestive heart failure I018

(b) Rheumatic fever 2 months I00

Code to other acute rheumatic heart disease (I018) since the rheumatic fever is less than 1 year duration.

C. One or more of the heart diseases is stated to be acute or subacute (this does not apply to “rheumatic fever” stated to be acute or subacute).

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute myocardial dilatation I018

(b) Rheumatic fever I00

Code to other acute rheumatic heart disease (I018) since the myocardial dilatation is stated as acute.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute myocardial insufficiency I012

(b) Rheumatic fever I00

Code to acute rheumatic myocarditis (I012) since the myocardial insufficiency is stated to be acute.

D. The term “pericarditis” is mentioned.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute pericarditis I010

(b) Rheumatic mitral stenosis I011

Code to other acute rheumatic heart disease (I018) which includes multiple heart involvement since pericarditis is mentioned.

E. The term(s) “carditis,” “endocarditis (any valve),” “heart disease,” “myocarditis,” or “pancarditis,” with a stated duration of less than 1 year is mentioned.

Codes for Record

I (a) Congestive heart failure I500

(b) Endocarditis 6 mos I011

Code to acute rheumatic endocarditis (I011) since the endocarditis is of less than 1 year duration.

F. The term(s) in instruction E without a duration is mentioned and the age of the decedent is less than 15 years.

Age 5 years Codes for Record

I (a) Mitral and aortic endocarditis I011

(b) Rheumatic fever I00

Code to acute rheumatic endocarditis (I011) since the age of the decedent is less than 15 years.

I34.0-I38 Valvular diseases not indicated to be rheumatic

A. In the Classification, certain valvular diseases, i.e., disease of mitral valve (except insufficiency, incompetence, and regurgitation without stenosis) and disease of tricuspid valve are included in the rheumatic categories even though not indicated to be rheumatic. This classification is based on the assumption that the vast majority of such diseases are rheumatic in origin.

Do not use these diseases to qualify other heart diseases as rheumatic. Code these diseases as nonrheumatic if reported due to one of the nonrheumatic causes on the following list:

When valvular heart disease (I050-I079, I089 and I090) not stated to be rheumatic is reported due to:

A1690 C73-C759 E804-E806 J030

A188 C790-C791 E840-E859 J040-J042

A329 C797-C798 E880-E889 J069

A38 C889 F110-F169 M100-M109

A399 D300-D301 F180-F199 M300-M359

A500-A549 D309 I10-I139 N000-N289

B200-B24 D34-D359 I250-I259 N340-N399

B376 D440-D45 I330-I38 Q200-Q289

B379 E02-E0390 I420-I4290 Q870-Q999

B560-B575 E050-E349 I511 R75

B908 E65-E678 I514-I5150 T983

B909 E760-E769 I700-I710 Y400-Y599

B948 E790-E799 J00 Y883

C64-C65 E802 J020

Code nonrheumatic valvular disease (I340-I38) with appropriate fourth character.

Codes for Record

I (a) Mitral insufficiency I340

(b) Goodpasture syndrome & RHD M310 I099

Code to Goodpasture syndrome (M310). Mitral insufficiency is considered as nonrheumatic since it is reported due to Goodpasture syndrome (M310) by Rule 1.

B. Consider diseases of the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves to be nonrheumatic if they are reported on the same line due to a nonrheumatic cause in the previous list. Similarly, consider diseases of these three valves to be nonrheumatic if any of them are reported due to the other and that one, in turn, is reported due to a nonrheumatic cause in the previous list.

Codes for Record

I (a) Mitral stenosis and aortic stenosis I342 I350

(b) Hypertension I10

Code to mitral stenosis (I342). Conditions of both valves are considered as nonrheumatic since they are reported due to hypertension (I10).

Codes for Record

I (a) Mitral disease I349

(b) Aortic stenosis I350

Code to aortic (valve) stenosis (I350). Consider mitral disease as nonrheumatic since it is reported due to aortic stenosis which is, in turn, reported due to arteriosclerosis (I709).

Codes for Record

I (a) Congestive heart failure I500

(b) Mitral stenosis I342

Code to congenital cardiomyopathy (I424). Mitral stenosis is considered as nonrheumatic since it is reported due to congenital cardiomyopathy (I424).

I05.8 Other mitral valve diseases

I05.9 Mitral valve disease, unspecified

when of unspecified cause with mention of:

I34.- (Nonrheumatic mitral valve disorders), code I34.-

I08.- Multiple valve diseases

Not to be used for multiple valvular diseases of specified, but nonrheumatic origin. When multiple valvular diseases of nonrheumatic origin are reported on the same death certificate, the underlying cause should be selected by applying the General Principle or Rules 1, 2 or 3 in the usual way.

I09.1 Rheumatic diseases of endocardium, valve unspecified

I09.9 Rheumatic heart disease, unspecified

with mention of:

I05-I08 (Chronic rheumatic heart disease), code I05-I08

I10 Essential (primary) hypertension

with mention of:

I11.- (Hypertensive heart disease), code I11.-

I12.- (Hypertensive renal disease), code I12.-

I13.- (Hypertensive heart and renal disease), code I13.-

I20-I25 (Ischemic heart diseases), code I20-I25

I60-I69 (Cerebrovascular diseases), code I60-I69

N00.- (Acute nephritic syndrome), code N00.-

N01.- (Rapidly progressive nephritic syndrome), code N01.-

N03.- (Chronic nephritic syndrome), code N03.-

N04.- (Nephrotic syndrome), code N04.-

N05.- (Unspecified nephritic syndrome), code N05.-

N18.- (Chronic kidney disease), code I12.-

N19 (Unspecified renal failure), code I12.-

N26 (Unspecified contracted kidney), code I12.-

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

H35.0 (Background retinopathy and other vascular changes), code H35.0

I05-I09 (Conditions classifiable to I05-I09 but not specified as rheumatic), code I34-I38

I34-I38 (Nonrheumatic valve disorders), code I34-I38

I50.- (Heart failure), code I11.0

I51.4- (Complications and ill-defined descriptions of heart disease),

I51.9 code I11.-

I11.- Hypertensive heart disease

with mention of:

I12.- (Hypertensive renal disease), code I13.-

I13.- (Hypertensive heart and renal disease), code I13.-

I20-I25 (Ischemic heart diseases), code I20-I25

N18.- (Chronic kidney disease), code I13.-

N19 (Unspecified renal failure), code I13.-

N26 (Unspecified contracted kidney), code I13.-

I12.- Hypertensive renal disease

with mention of:
I11.- (Hypertensive heart disease), code I13.-

I13.- (Hypertensive heart and renal disease), code I13.-

I20-I25 (Ischemic heart diseases), code I20-I25

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

I50.- (Heart failure), code I13.0

I51.4- (Complications and ill-definedI51.9 descriptions of heart disease), code I13.-

I13.- Hypertensive heart and renal disease

with mention of:

I20-I25 (Ischemic heart disease), code I20-I25

I15.1 Hypertension secondary to other renal disorders

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. Code to reported renal disorder.

I15.2 Hypertension secondary to endocrine disorders

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. Code to reported endocrine disorder.

I15.8 Other secondary hypertension

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. Code to reported underlying cause. If the cause is not stated, code to Other ill-defined and unspecified causes of mortality (R99).

I20.- Angina pectoris

I24.- Other acute ischemic heart diseases

I25.- Chronic ischemic heart disease

with mention of:

I21.- (Acute myocardial infarction), code I21.-

I22.- (Subsequent myocardial infarction), code I22.-

I21.- Acute myocardial infarction

with mention of:

I22.- (Subsequent myocardial infarction), code I22.-

I23.- Certain current complications following acute myocardial infarction

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. Use code I21.- or I22.- as appropriate.

I24.0 Coronary thrombosis not resulting in myocardial infarction

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. For mortality, the occurrence of myocardial infarction is assumed and assignment made to I21.- or I22.- as appropriate.

I25.2 Old myocardial infarction

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. If the cause is not stated, code to Other forms of chronic ischemic heart disease (I25.8).

I27.9 Pulmonary heart disease, unspecified

with mention of:

M41.- (Scoliosis), code I27.1

I44.- Atrioventricular and left bundle-branch block

I45.- Other conduction disorders

I46.- Cardiac arrest

I47.- Paroxysmal tachycardia

I48 Atrial fibrillation and flutter

I49.- Other cardiac arrhythmias

I50.- Heart failure

I51.4-I51.9 Complications and ill-defined descriptions of heart disease

with mention of:

B57.- (Chagas disease), code B57.-

I20-I25 (Ischemic heart diseases), code I20-I25

I50.- Heart failure

I51.9 Heart disease, unspecified

with mention of:

M41.- (Scoliosis), code I27.1

I50.9 Heart failure, unspecified

I51.9 Heart disease, unspecified

with mention of:

J81 (Pulmonary edema), code I50.1

I60-I69 Cerebrovascular diseases

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of conditions in:

F01-F03, code F01

I65.- Occlusion and stenosis of precerebral arteries, not resulting in cerebral infarction

I66.- Occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries, not resulting in cerebral infarction

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. For mortality, the occurrence of cerebral infarction is assumed and assignment made to I63.-.

I67.2 Cerebral atherosclerosis

with mention of:

I60-I64 (Cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, or stroke, occlusion and stenosis of precerebral and cerebral arteries), code I60-I64

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of conditions in:

F03 (Unspecified dementia), code F01.-

G20 (Parkinson disease), code G21.4.

G21.9 (Secondary parkinsonism, unspecified), code G21.4

I70.- Atherosclerosis

with mention of:

I10-I13 (Hypertensive disease), code I10-I13

I20-I25 (Ischemic heart diseases), code I20-I25

I50.- (Heart failure), code I50.-

I51.4 (Myocarditis, unspecified), code I51.4

I51.5 (Myocardial degeneration), code I51.5

I51.6 (Cardiovascular disease, unspecified), code I51.6

I51.8 (Other ill-defined heart diseases), code I51.8

I60-I69 (Cerebrovascular diseases), code I60-I69

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

I05-I09 (Conditions classifiable to I05-I09 but not specified as rheumatic), code I34-I38

I34-I38 (Nonrheumatic valve disorders), code I34-I38

I51.9 (Heart disease, unspecified), code I25.1

I71-I78 (Other diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries), code I71-I78

K55.- (Vascular disorders of intestine), code K55.-

N03 (Chronic nephritis), code I12.-

N26 (Unspecified contracted kidney), code I12.-

I70.9 Generalized and unspecified atherosclerosis

with mention of:

R02 (Gangrene, not elsewhere classified), code I70.2

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

F01.- (Vascular dementia), code F01.-

F03 (Unspecified dementia), code F01.-

G20 (Parkinson disease), code G21.4

G21.9 (Secondary parkinsonism, unspecified), code G21.4

I97.- Postprocedural disorders of circulatory system, not elsewhere classified

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

J00 Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold]

J06.- Acute upper respiratory infections of multiple and unspecified sites

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

G03.8 (Meningitis), code G03.8

G06.0 (Intracranial abscess and granuloma), code G06.0

H65-H66 (Otitis media), code H65-H66

H70.- (Mastoiditis and related conditions), code H70.-

J09-J18 (Influenza and pneumonia), code J09-J18

J20-J21 (Bronchitis and bronchiolitis), code J20-J21

J40-J42 (Unspecified and chronic bronchitis), code J40-J42

J44.- (Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), code J44.-

N00.- (Acute nephritic syndrome), code N00.-

J18.- Pneumonia, organism unspecified

with mention of:

R26.3 (Immobility), code to J18.2

J20.- Acute bronchitis

with mention of:

J41.- (Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis), code J41.-

J42 (Unspecified chronic bronchitis), code J42

J44.- (Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), code J44.-

J40 Bronchitis, not specified as acute or chronic

J41.- Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis

J42 Unspecified chronic bronchitis

with mention of:

J43.- (Emphysema), code J44.-

J44.- (Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), code J44.-

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

J45.- (Asthma), code J44.- (but see also note at J45.-, J46)

J43.- Emphysema

with mention of:

J40 (Bronchitis, not specified as acute or chronic), code J44.-

J41.- (Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis), code J44.-

J42 (Unspecified chronic bronchitis), code J44.-

J44.8-J44.9 Other and unspecified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

with mention of:

J12-J18 (Pneumonia), code J44.0

J20-J22 (Other acute lower respiratory infections), code J44.0

J45.- Asthma

J46 Status asthmaticus

When asthma and bronchitis (acute) (chronic) or other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are reported together on the medical certificate of cause of death, the underlying cause should be selected by applying the General Principle or Rules 1, 2, or 3 in the normal way. Neither term should be treated as an adjectival modifier of the other.

J60-J64 Pneumoconiosis

with mention of:

A15-A16 (Respiratory tuberculosis), code J65

J81 Pulmonary edema

with mention of:

I50.9 (Heart failure, unspecified), code I50.1

I51.9 (Heart disease, unspecified), code I50.1

J95.- Postprocedural respiratory disorders, not elsewhere classified

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

K71 Toxic liver disease

with mention of:

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.-

K72 Hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K70.4

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.4

K73 Chronic hepatitis, not elsewhere classified

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K70.1

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.1

K74.0 Hepatic fibrosis

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K70.2

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.2

K74.1 Hepatic sclerosis

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K70.2

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.2

K74.2 Hepatic fibrosis with hepatic sclerosis

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K70.

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.2

K74.6 Other and unspecified cirrhosis of liver

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K70.3

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.3

K75.9 Inflammatory liver disease, unspecified

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K70.1

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.1

K76.0 Fatty (change) of liver, not elsewhere classified

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K70.0

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.0

K76.9 Liver disease, unspecified

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K70.9

T51.- (Toxic effect of alcohol), code K70.9

K85.9 Acute pancreatitis, unspecified

with mention of:

F10.- (Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol), code K85.2

K91.- Postprocedural disorders of digestive system, not elsewhere classified

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

M41.- Scoliosis

with mention of:

I27.9 (Pulmonary heart disease, unspecified), code I27.1

I50.- (Heart failure), code I27.1

I51.9 (Heart disease, unspecified), code I27.1

M96.- Postprocedural musculoskeletal disorders, not elsewhere classified

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

N00.- Acute nephritic syndrome

when reported as the originating antecedent cause of:

N03.- (Chronic nephritic syndrome), code N03.-

N18.- Chronic kidney disease

N19 Unspecified renal failure

N26 Unspecified contracted kidney

with mention of:

I10 (Essential (primary) hypertension), code I12.-

I11.- (Hypertensive heart disease), code I13.-

I12.- (Hypertensive renal disease), code I12.-

N46 Male infertility

N97.- Female infertility

Not to be used if the causative condition is known.

N99.- Postprocedural disorders of genitourinary system, not elsewhere classified

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

O00-O99 Pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium

Conditions classifiable to categories O00-O99 are limited to deaths of females of childbearing age. Some of the maternal conditions are also the cause of death in newborn infants. Always refer to the age and sex of the decedent before assigning a condition to O00-O99.

Obstetric deaths are classified according to time elapsed between the obstetric event and the death of the woman:

O95 Obstetric death of unspecified cause

O960-O969 Death from any obstetric cause occurring more than 42 days but less than one year after delivery

O970-O979 Death from sequela of obstetric causes (death occurring one year or more after delivery)

The standard certificate of death contains a separate item regarding pregnancy. Any positive response to one of the following items should be taken into consideration when coding pregnancy related deaths.

☐ Pregnant at time of death

☐ Not pregnant, but pregnant within 42 days of death

☐ Not pregnant, but pregnant 43 days to 1 year before death

If one of the options from the previous list is marked and the decedent is greater than 44 years old, code as a pregnancy record only when there is a condition reported which indicates the person was pregnant either at the time of death or pregnant 43 days to 1 year before death.

Additionally, if the third option is checked, but there is a maternal condition reported with a duration that indicates the pregnancy was within 42 days of death, disregard the checkbox and prefer the duration.

The following are valid single character codes used in the separate checkbox item regarding pregnancy on some variations of the standard death certificate. These codes are to be taken into consideration when coding pregnancy related deaths.

1 - Not pregnant within the past year

2 - Pregnant at the time of death

3 - Not pregnant, but pregnant within 42 days of death

4 - Not pregnant, but pregnant 43 days to 1 year before death

7 - Not on certificate

8 - Not applicable

9 - Unknown

Consider the pregnancy to have terminated 42 days or less prior to death unless a specified length of time is written in by the certifier. Take into consideration the length of time elapsed between pregnancy and death if reported as more than 42 days.

If an indirect maternal cause is selected as the originating antecedent cause, reselect any direct maternal cause on the line immediately above the indirect cause. If no direct cause is reported, the indirect cause will be accepted as the cause of death.

1. Checkbox only

If the only indication of pregnancy is in the checkbox, convert the condition selected as the underlying cause to the relevant maternal category.

I (a) Rheumatic heart disease I099

(b)

Pregnancy: Pregnant at time of death

Code to O994. Convert the condition selected as the underlying cause (I099) to the relevant maternal category. Pregnancy checkbox is marked 2 so use the state (pregnancy) as a lead term and follow the index: Pregnancy, complicated by, conditions NEC in I00-I09.

I (a) Right heart failure I500

(b) Pulmonary hypertension I272

Pregnancy: Not pregnant, but pregnant 43 days to 1 year before death

Code to O961. Convert the condition selected as the underlying cause (I272) to the relevant maternal category. Pregnancy checkbox is marked 4 so assign O96.-. Follow the index to find the current pregnancy code O994 (Pregnancy, complicated by, conditions NEC in I20-I461). Since the current maternal code would be indirect, assign the fourth digit to 1.

I (a) Pulmonary embolism I269

(b) Right heart failure I500

Pregnancy: Not pregnant, but pregnant within 42 days of death

Code to O994. Convert the condition selected as the underlying cause (I500) to the relevant maternal category. Pregnancy checkbox is marked 3 so code as indexed under Pregnancy, complicated by, conditions NEC in I470-I958.

O08.- Complications following abortion and ectopic and molar pregnancy

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. Use categories O00-O07.

O30.- Multiple gestation

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding if a more specific complication is reported.

O32.- Maternal care for known or suspected malpresentation of fetus

with mention of :

O33.- (Maternal care for known or suspected disproportion), code O33.-

O33.9 Fetopelvic disproportion

with mention of:

O33.0-O33.3 (Disproportion due to abnormality of maternal pelvis), code O33.0-O33.3

O64.- Obstructed labor due to malposition and malpresentation of fetus

with mention of:

O65.- (Obstructed labor due to maternal pelvic abnormality), code O65.-

O80.0-O80.9 Single spontaneous delivery

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. If no other cause of maternal mortality is reported, code to Obstetric death of unspecified cause (O95).

O81-O84 Method of delivery

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. If no other cause of maternal mortality is reported, code to Complication of labor and delivery, unspecified (O759).

P07.- Disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight, not elsewhere classified

P08.- Disorders related to long gestation and high birth weight

Not to be used if any other cause of perinatal mortality is reported. This does not apply if the only other cause of perinatal mortality reported is respiratory failure of newborn (P28.5).

P70.3-P72.0 Transitory endocrine and metabolic disorders specific to fetus and

P72.2-P74.9 newborn

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. If no other perinatal cause of mortality is reported, code to Condition originating in the perinatal period, unspecified (P96.9). If another perinatal cause is reported, prefer this cause. If more than one perinatal cause is reported, apply the rules for conflict in linkage in selection of the other perinatal cause.

P95 Fetal death of unspecified cause

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. Use P96.9 for fetal death in mortality coding.

Q44.6 Cystic disease of liver

with mention of:

Q61.1-Q61.3 (Polycystic kidney disease), code Q61.1-Q61.3

R69.- Unknown and unspecified causes of morbidity

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding. Use R95-R99 as appropriate.

S00-T98 Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes

Not to be used for underlying cause mortality coding.

V01-Y89 Classification of external causes of morbidity and mortality

The codes for external causes permit the classification of environmental events and circumstances as the cause of injury, poisoning and other adverse effects.

1. Successive external causes. Where successive external events occur and cause death, assignment is to the initiating event except where this was a trivial accident leading to a more serious one. In the latter case, the trivial event may be disregarded.

2. Slight injuries. When a slight injury is involved as a cause of death, the Rules for Selection are applied. Slight injuries are trivial conditions rarely causing death unless a more serious condition such as tetanus resulted from the slight injury. Therefore, where a slight injury is selected, Rule B, Trivial conditions, is usually applied. For the purpose of these rules, slight injuries comprise superficial injuries such as:

abrasions exposure NOS

bite of insect minor cut

(non-venomous) prick

blister puncture except trunk

bruise scratch

burn of first degree splinter

contusion (external)

For slight injury resulting in streptococcal septicemia, septicemia, or erysipelas refer to Section IV, B, categories A40.-, A41.-, A46.

3. Accident information entered in space outside Part I and Part II. When information concerning an accident is reported only in a space specifically provided for such information outside of Parts I and II of the Medical Certification Section, inquiry should be made concerning the relationship of the accident to the death and to the other causes reported. If no information is received from the inquiry, the assignment is made by application of the Rules for Selection to the causes reported in Parts I and II.

4. Accident due to disease condition. When a disease condition, such as cerebral hemorrhage, heart attack, diabetic coma, or alcoholism is indicated by the certifier to be the underlying cause of an accident, the assignment is made to the accidental cause unless there is evidence that the death occurred prior to the accident. Thus, accidents are generally not accepted due to disease conditions. However, there are some exceptions to this concept:

a. asphyxia from aspiration of mucus or vomitus as a result of a disease condition

b. a fall from a pathological fracture or disease of the bone

c. aspiration of milk or other food due to diseases which presumably affect the ability to control the process of swallowing, for example, cancer of the throat or a disease resulting in paralysis

d. accidents resulting from epilepsy (G40-G41)

5. Found injured on highway. See category V892 in Volume 1.

6. Complication of trauma for purposes of applying Selection Rule 3. Refer to Section II, Selection Rule 3, Direct Sequel.

7. Selecting external causes as the underlying cause. External causes will be coded as the underlying cause even though a Chapter XIX code is not reported. When selecting the sequence responsible for death, no preference is given to the external cause. Apply selection and modification rules in the usual way.

8. Use of the Index and Tabular List. ICD-10 provides separate indexing in Volume 3, Section II for the external causes of injury, with frequent references to Volume 1. The External Causes of Injury Index provides a double axis of indexing—descriptions of the circumstances under which the accident or violence occurred and the agent involved in the occurrence. Usually, the “lead terms” in the External Causes of Injury Index describe the circumstances of the injury with a secondary (indented) entry naming the agent involved.

Code for Term

Fall from building W13

Locate the E-code for “fall”:

Fall

- from

- - building W13.-

After locating the external cause code in the Index, always refer to Volume 1 since certain external cause codes require a fourth character.

The ICD provides a fourth character for use with categories W00 - Y34, except Y06.- and Y07.-, to identify the place of occurrence of the external cause. NCHS uses a separate field for this purpose. Only the three-character category codes are assigned in underlying cause coding.

Code for Term

House fire X00

Locate the E-code for “House fire”:

House fire (uncontrolled) X00.-

V01-V99 Transportation Accidents

1. General Instructions

The main axis of classification for land transports (V01-V89) is the victim’s mode of transportation. The vehicle of which the injured person is an occupant is identified in the first two characters since it is seen as the most important for prevention purposes.

Definitions and examples relating to transport accidents are in Volume 1, Chp. XX. Refer to these definitions when any means of transportation (aircraft and spacecraft, watercraft, motor vehicle, railway, other road vehicle) is involved in causing death.

For classification purposes, a motor vehicle not otherwise specified is NOT equivalent to a car. Motor vehicle accidents where the type of vehicle is unspecified are classified to V87-V89.

A vehicle not otherwise specified is NOT equivalent to a motor vehicle unless the accident occurred on the street, highway, road(way), etc. Vehicle accidents where the type of vehicle is unspecified are classified to V87-V89.

Additional information about type of transports is given below:

a. Car (automobile) includes blazer, jeep, minivan, sport utility vehicle

b. Pick-up truck or van includes ambulance, motor home, truck (farm) (utility)

c. Heavy transport vehicle includes armored car, dump truck, fire truck, panel truck, semi, tow truck, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler

d. A special all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or motor vehicle designed primarily for off-road use includes dirt bike, dune buggy, four-wheeler, go cart, golf cart, racecar, snowmobile, three-wheeler

e. Motor vehicle includes passenger vehicle (private), street sweeper

2. Use of the Index and tabular list

ICD-10 provides a Table of land transport accidents in Volume 3, Section II. This table is referenced with any land transport accident if the mode of transportation is known. Since the Index does not always provide a complete code, reference to Volume 1, Chapter XX is required.

For V01-V09, the fourth character indicates whether a pedestrian was injured in a nontraffic accident, traffic accident, or unspecified whether traffic or nontraffic accident.

For V10-V79, the fourth character represents the status of the victim, i.e., whether the decedent was driver, passenger, etc. For each means of transportation, there is a different set of fourth characters. Each means of transportation is preceded by its set of fourth characters in Volume 1.

Code for Term

• Car overturned, killing driver V485

In the Index, refer to:

Overturning

- transport vehicle NEC (see also ) V89.9

Accident

- transport (involving injury to) (see also ) V99

In the Table of land transport accidents, select the intersection of:

Under Victim and mode of transport, select
Occupant of:

- car (automobile)

Under In Collision with or involved in: select
Noncollision transport accident

The code is V48.-. From Volume 1 the fourth character is 5, driver injured in traffic accident.

Code for Term

• Auto collision with animal V409

In the Index, refer to:
Collision (accidental) NEC (see also ) V89.9

Accident
- transport (involving injury to) (see also ) V99

In the Table of land transport accidents, select the intersection of:

Under Victim and mode of transport, select
Occupant of:
- car (automobile)

Under In collision with or involved in: select
Pedestrian or animal

The code is V40.-. From Volume 1, determine the fourth character is 9, unspecified car occupant injured in traffic accident.

3. Classifying accidents as traffic or nontraffic

If an event is unspecified as to whether it is a traffic or nontraffic accident, it is assumed to be:

a. A traffic accident when the event is classifiable to categories V02-V04, V10-V82, and V87.

b. A nontraffic accident when the event is classifiable to categories V83-V86. These vehicles are designed primarily for off-road use.

c. Consider category V05 to be unspecified whether traffic or nontraffic if no place is indicated or if the place is railroad (tracks).

d. Consider category V05 to be traffic if place is railway crossing.

e. Consider accidents involving occupants of motor vehicles as traffic when the place is railroad (tracks).

Codes for Record

I (a) Laceration lung S273

(b)

(c)

II V575

Accident

Truck struck bridge - Driver

Code to occupant of pick up truck or van injured in collision with fixed or stationary object, driver (V575). When a motor vehicle strikes another vehicle or object, assume the collision occurred on the highway unless otherwise stated.

Codes for Record

I (a) Fractured skull S029

(b)

(c)

II V866

Accident

Farm

Dune buggy overturned -passenger

Code to passenger of all-terrain or other off road vehicle injured in nontraffic accident (V866).

Codes for Record

I (a) Drowning T751 V863

Accident

Snowmobile ran off road and went into pond

Code to unspecified occupant of all-terrain or other off road motor vehicle injured in traffic accident (V863). Code as traffic accident since the accident originated on the road.

4. Status of victim

a. General coding instructions relating to transport accidents are in Volume 1, Chapter XX. Refer to these instructions for clarification of the status of the victim when not clearly stated.

Codes for Record

I (a) Multiple internal injuries T065

(b) Crushed by car on highway T147 V031

Code to pedestrian injured in collision with car, pickup truck or van, traffic (V031). Refer to Volume 1, Chapter XX, instruction #3, Crushed by car. The victim is classified as a pedestrian. Refer to Table of land transport accidents. Victim and mode of transport, pedestrian, in collision (with) car (V03.-). Refer to Volume 1 for fourth character.

b. In classifying motor vehicle traffic accidents, a victim of less than 14 years of age is assumed to be a passenger provided there is evidence the decedent was an occupant of the motor vehicle. A statement such as “thrown from car,” “fall from” “struck head on dashboard,” “drowning,” or “carbon monoxide poisoning” is sufficient.

Female, 4 years old Codes for Record

I (a) Fractured skull S029

(b) Struck head on windshield when V476

Code to car occupant injured in collision with fixed or stationary object, passenger (V476).

c. When the transport accident descriptions do not specify the victim as being a vehicle occupant and the victim is described as:

pedestrian versus (vs) any vehicle (car, truck, etc.)

any vehicle (car, truck, etc.) versus (vs) pedestrian

classify the victim as a pedestrian (V01-V09).

5. Coding categories V01-V89

a. When drowning occurs as a result of a motor vehicle accident NOS, code as noncollision transport accident. The assumption is the motor vehicle ran off the highway into a body of water. If drowning results from a specified type of motor vehicle accident, code the appropriate E-code for the specified type of motor vehicle accident.

Codes for Record

I (a) Drowning T751 V589

Accident

Street

Truck accident

Code to occupant of truck injured in noncollision transport accident (V589).

Codes for Record

I (a) Drowning T751 V435

Accident

Street

Driver-2 car collision driveway

Code to occupant of car injured in collision with car, driver (V435).

b. When falls from transport vehicles occur, apply the following instructions:

(1) Consider a transport vehicle to be in motion unless there is clear indication the vehicle was not in transit. Refer to Table of land transport accidents, specified type of vehicle reported, noncollision. Refer to Volume 1 for appropriate fourth character.

Codes for Record

I (a) Multiple injuries T07

II V583

Accident

Home

Fell from truck in driveway

Code to occupant of truck injured in noncollision transport accident (V583). Refer to Table of land transport accidents under Victim and mode of transport. Select occupant of pick-up truck, noncollision transport accident, (V58.-). Refer to Volume 1 for fourth character and select 3, unspecified occupant of pick-up truck, nontraffic accident.

(2) Consider statements like these as stationary:

(a) Coded as transports with 4th character .4

alighted leaving

boarding exiting

entering getting in or out of vehicle

(b) Coded as Fall

stationary

parked

not in transit

not in motion

Codes for Record

I (a) Head injury S099

II V784

Accident

Street

Fell alighting from bus

Code to occupant of bus injured in noncollision transport accident (V784). Refer to Table of land transport accidents under Victim and mode of transport. Select occupant of bus, noncollision transport accident, (V78.-). Refer to Volume 1 for fourth character and select 4, person injured while boarding or alighting.

Codes for Record

I (a) Head Injury S099

II V892

Accident

Street

Fell on curb as he was exiting his daughter's vehicle

Code to occupant of motor vehicle in noncollision transport accident (V892). Refer to Table of land transport accidents under Victim and mode of transport. Select occupant of motor vehicle (traffic), noncollision transport accident (V892).

Codes for Record

I (a) Head injury S099

II W17

Accident

Street

Fell from parked car

Code to other fall from one level to another (W17). Code as indexed under Fall, from, vehicle, stationary.

6. Additional examples

Codes for Record

I (a) Fracture of ribs S223

(b)

(c)

II V234

Accident

Was driver of motorcycle which collided with parked taxicab

Code to motorcycle rider injured in collision with car, pick-up truck or van, driver (V234).

Codes for Record

I (a) Third degree burns T303

(b) Auto accident - car overturned V489

(c)

Code to car occupant injured in noncollision transport accident, unspecified (V489).

Codes for Record

I (a) Fracture of ribs S223

(b)

(c)

II V892

Accident

Street

Vehicle accident

Code to person injured in unspecified motor vehicle accident, traffic (V892). Code as motor vehicle accident since the accident occurred on the street.

Codes for Record

I (a) Blunt force trauma T149 V230

(b) Motorcycle in the field

(c)

Accident

Driver of motorcycle vs parked cars

Code to motorcycle rider in collision with car, pick-up truck or van, driver, nontraffic (V230).

7. Occupant of special all-terrain or other motor vehicle designed primarily for off-road use, injured in transport accident (V86)

This category includes accidents involving an occupant of any off-road vehicle. The fourth character indicates whether the decedent was injured in a nontraffic or traffic accident. Unless stated to the contrary, these accidents are assumed to be nontraffic.

Codes for Record

I (a) Multiple injuries T07

(b) Driver of snowmobile which V860

Code to driver of all-terrain or other off-road motor vehicle injured in traffic accident since the collision occurred with an automobile (V860).

Codes for Record

I (a) Injuries of head S099

(b) Driver of ATV V865

Code to driver of all-terrain or other off-road motor vehicle injured in nontraffic accident (V865).

Codes for Record

I (a) Head injuries S099

(b) Overturning snowmobile V869

Code to unspecified occupant of all-terrain or other off-road motor vehicle injured in nontraffic accident (V869).

Codes for Record

I (a) Fracture skull S029

(b) ATV accident V869

Code to unspecified occupant of all-terrain or other off-road motor vehicle injured in nontraffic accident (V869).

8. Scooter (motorized) vs Motor scooter

It is often hard to distinguish between when a scooter should be considered a pedestrian conveyance or a motorcycle.

In most cases, a scooter or motorized scooter refers to a motorized chair for people with immobility issues, code as a pedestrian conveyance. In instances where there is a scooter accident and POI is Home (with no other details provided) code to X599. However, if POI is street (with no other details provided) code to V099.

A motor scooter is a small motorcycle type vehicle, code to motorcycle.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiopulmonary arrest I469

(b) Severe head injury S099

(c)

II W18

Accident

Home

Victim fell off of scooter

Code to fall, from, sitting height or position (W18). Code as pedestrian conveyance since scooter (motorized) is listed in Volume 1 under the definition (e) for pedestrian

Codes for Record

I (a) Multiple blunt force injuries T07 V299

(b) Motor scooter incident

(c)

Accident

Street

Scooter incident

Code to motorcycle rider (any) injured in unspecified traffic accident (V299). Code as a motorcycle since motor scooter is listed in Volume 1 under definition (k) for motorcycle.

Codes for Record

I (a) Injuries sustained in auto - motorized scooter collision T149 V031

(b)

(c)

II Chronic obstructive lung disease and generalized arteriosclerosis J449 I709

Accident

Highway

Collision between automobile and motorized scooter, driver

Code to pedestrian injured in collision with car, pick-up truck or van (V031). Code as pedestrian conveyance since scooter (motorized) is listed in Volume 1 under the definition (e) for pedestrian.

Codes for Record

I (a) Respiratory failure J969

(b) Pneumonia J189

II Scooter accident V299

Accident

Street

Moped crash

Code to motorcycle rider (any) injured in unspecified traffic accident (V299). Code as a motorcycle since moped is listed in Volume 1 under definition (k) for motorcycle.

I (a) Scooter accident T149 X599

(b)

(c)

Accident

home

Code to exposure to unspecified factor causing other and unspecified injury (X599). Code as pedestrian conveyance since scooter is listed in Volume 1 under definition (e) for pedestrian.

I (a) Scooter accident T149 V099

(b)

(c)

Accident

street

Code to pedestrian injured in unspecified transport accident (V099). Code as pedestrian conveyance since scooter(motorized) is listed in Volume 1 under the definition (e) for pedestrian. Scooter accidents occurring on the street are assigned to a transport category.

9. Traffic accident of specified type but victim’s mode of transport unknown (V87)

Non-traffic accident of specified type but victim’s mode of transport unknown (V88)

a. If more than one vehicle is mentioned, do not make any assumptions as to which vehicle was occupied by the victim unless the vehicles are the same. Instead, code to the appropriate categories V87-V88. Statements such as these do not indicate status of victim.

• Auto (passenger) vs. truck • Passenger car vs. truck

• Car vs. truck-driver • Car vs. truck, driver

• Driver, car vs. truck • Driver-car vs. truck

Codes for Record

I (a) Intrathoracic injury S279

(b)

Do not make any assumption as to which vehicle the victim was occupying. Using the Index, code:

Accident

- transport (involving injury to) (see also ) V99

- - person NEC (unknown means of transportation) (in) V99

- - - collision (between)

- - - - car (with)

- - - - - two-or three-wheeled motor vehicle (traffic) V87.0

Codes for Record

I (a) Head injuries S099

(b) Driver - collision of car and bus V873

(c)

Do not make any assumption as to which vehicle the victim was driving. Using the Index, code:

Accident

- transport (involving injury to) (see also ) V99

- - person NEC (unknown means of transportation) (in) V99

- - - collision (between)

- - - - car (with)

- - - - - bus V87.3

b. If reported types of vehicles are not indexed under Accident, transport, person, collision, code V877 for traffic and V887 for nontraffic.

Codes for Record

I (a) Head injuries S099

(b) Bus and pick-up truck collision, driver V877

(c)

Do not make any assumption as to which vehicle the victim was driving. Collision between bus and pick-up is not indexed under Accident, transport, person, collision. Code V877.

10. Water transport accidents (V90-V94)

The fourth character subdivision indicates the type of watercraft. Refer to Volume 1, Chapter XX, Water transport accidents for a list of the fourth character subdivisions.

Codes for Record

I (a) Drowning T751 V929

(b) Fell over-board

(c)

Code to Drowning, due to fall overboard (V929). Use fourth character “9,” unspecified watercraft.

11. Air and space transport accidents (V95-V97)

For air and space transport accidents, the victim is only classified as an occupant.

Military aircraft is coded to V958, Other aircraft accidents injuring occupant, since a military aircraft is not considered to be either a private aircraft or a commercial aircraft. Where death of military personnel is reported with no specification as to whether the airplane was a commercial or private craft, code V958.

12. Miscellaneous coding instructions (V01-V99)

a. When multiple deaths occur from the same transportation accident, all the certifications should be examined, and when appropriate, the information obtained from one may be applied to all. There may be other information available such as newspaper articles. A query should be sent to the certifier if necessary to obtain the information.

b. When classifying accidents which involve more than one kind of transport, use the following order of precedence:

aircraft and spacecraft (V95-V97)

watercraft (V90-V94)

other modes of transport (V01-V89, V98-V99)

Codes for Record

I (a) Multiple fractures T029

(b) Driver of car killed when V973

(d) car on highway after forced landing

Code to person on ground injured in air transport accident following order of precedence. Refer to Volume 3, Accident, transport, aircraft, person, on ground (V973).

c. When no external cause information is reported and the place of occurrence of the injuries was highway, street, road(way), or alley, assign the external cause code to person injured in unspecified motor vehicle accident, traffic.

Codes for Record

I (a) Head injuries and fracture S099 S029

II V892

Accident

Highway

Code to person injured in unspecified motor vehicle accident, traffic (V892).

d. When certifiers report a named vehicle preceded by a string of asterisks, interpret as the decedent’s mode of transport.

Codes for Record

I (a) Blunt force injuries T149 V594

(b) Motor vehicle collision

Accident

Driver of vehicle involved in two-vehicle collision ***vehicle = pickup truck/cargo van

Code to driver of pickup truck or van injured in collision with other and unspecified motor vehicles in traffic accident.

W18 Other fall on same level

This category includes falls when other or additional information about the fall is reported such as:

Fell from standing height

Fell moving from wheelchair to bed

Fell striking head

Fell striking object

Fell to floor

Fell while transferring from chair to bed

Fell while walking

Lost balance and fell

Codes for Record

I (a) Fractured right hip S720

II Lost balance and fell to floor W18

Code to other fall on same level (W18).

W19 Unspecified fall

This category includes: fall, fell, or fell at a place.

Codes for Record

I (a) Fractured right hip S720

II Fell at nursing home W19

Code to unspecified fall (W19) since the only information is the place it occurred.

Falls with other external events

When fall is reported more information must be obtained in order to assign the most appropriate code. This information will be reported in Part I and Part II of the medical certification, also the place of injury and the description of how injury occurred.

1. Is a vehicle or transport involved?

YES: Refer to coding instructions for categories V01 - V89. This includes reference to table of land transport accidents. This section also includes specific instructions for fall from transport vehicle.

NOTE: fall from animal: see V80-

2. Is a fire involved?

YES: See code categories X00 - X09.

3. Is machinery in operation involved?

YES: See code categories W28 - W31.

4. Is drowning or submersion in water involved?

YES: See code categories W65 - W74.

5. Is struck by a falling object involved?

YES: See code categories W20 - W49

6. Is a human stampede or pushed by a crowd involved?

YES: Code W52

If none of the above, see code categories W00 - W19 for specific codes.

W75 Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed

This category INCLUDES suffocation of infants “while asleep” NOS or when reported with terms that involve sleep such as co-sleeping or sleeping.

W78 Inhalation of gastric contents

W79 Inhalation and ingestion of food causing obstruction of respiratory tract

W80 Inhalation and ingestion of other object causing obstruction of respiratory tract

EXCLUDES conditions in the above categories when reported as the underlying cause of:

J180 Bronchopneumonia, unspecified, code Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids, J69.-

J181 Lobar Pneumonia, unspecified, code Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids, J69.-

J189 Pneumonia, unspecified, code Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids, J69.-

J69 Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids, code J69.-

X30-X39 Exposure to forces of nature

These categories INCLUDE accidents resulting directly from forces over which man has no control, but EXCLUDES those resulting indirectly through a second event which is classified to the causative agent involved in the subsequent accident.

General Guidelines when coding cataclysms:

-Use these categories for deaths resulting from direct effects of the storm

-Do not use these categories for deaths resulting from a second event, such as clean-up after a cataclysmic event.

-When hurricane, storm, etc is reported, consider references to power failure, loss of power, lack of air conditioning, etc as part of the storm and not a subsequent accident.

-Code wildfire as X01, Exposure to uncontrolled fire, not in building or structure.

Codes for Record

I (a) Drowned T751 X37

(b) Car which decedent was driving was washed

Code to victim of cataclysmic storm (X37). The drowning was a direct result of the hurricane.

Codes for Record

I (a) Suffocation T71 X36

(b) Covered by landslide

Code to victim of avalanche, landslide and other earth movements (X36).

Codes for Record

I (a) Suffocated by smoke T598 X00

(b) Home burned after being

Code to exposure to uncontrolled fire in building or structure (X00). Category X33 includes only those injuries resulting from direct contact with lightning.

Codes for Record

I (a) Ruptured diaphragm S278

(b) Driver of auto which struck V475

Code to car occupant injured in collision with fixed or stationary object, driver (V475).

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute respiratory failure 4 hours J960

(b) Severe emphysema T797

from hurricane

Code to victim of cataclysmic storm (X37). Consider statement of loss of air conditioner power as part of the storm.

Codes for Record

I (a) Fracture vertebra T08

(b) Contusion spinal cord T093

II Working to restore power from hurricane

Accident

Light pole fell on him

Code to struck by falling object (W20). This is clearly a subsequent accident and not a direct impact of the storm.

Codes for Record

I (a) Smoke Inhalation T598 X01

(b)

(c)

II Wildfire

Accident

Wildfire

Code to exposure to uncontrolled fire, not in building or structure (X01).

Codes for Record

I (a) Smoke Inhalation T300 X01 T598

(b)

(c)

II Multiple Sclerosis G35

Accident

Home

Unable to leave home-overcome by wildfire

Code to exposure to uncontrolled fire, not in building or structure (X01) since this house fire resulted from the wildfire.

X40-X49 Accidental poisoning by and exposure to noxious substances

1. Poisoning by drugs

a. When the following statements are reported, see Table of drugs and chemicals for the external cause code and code as accidental poisoning unless otherwise indicated.

Interpret all these statements to mean poisoning by drug and code as poisoning whether or not the drug was given in treatment:

drug taken inadvertently
lethal (amount) (dose) (quantity) of a drug
overdose of drug
poisoning by a drug
toxic effects of a drug
toxic reaction to a drug
toxicity (of a site) by a drug
wrong dose taken accidentally
wrong drug given in error

Male, 2 years Codes for Record

I (a) Overdose of aspirin T390 X40

(b) Flu and cold J1110 J00

(c)

II Aspirin given for fever - 10 days T390 R509

Code to X40, accidental poisoning by and exposure to nonopioid analgesics, antipyretics, and antirheumatics.

Codes for Record

I (a) Poisoning by barbiturates T423 X41

Code to X41, accidental poisoning by and exposure to anti-epileptic, sedative-hypnotic, anti-parkinsonism and psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified.

b. Interpret the terms

(1) “intoxication by drug” to mean poisoning by drug unless indicated or stated to be due to drug therapy or as a result of treatment for a condition. Refer to Section IV, B, Y40-Y59 for instructions regarding intoxication by drug.

Codes for Record

I (a) Respiratory failure J969

(b) Digitalis intoxication T460 X44

Code to X44, digitalis intoxication as poisoning when there is no indication the drug was given for therapy.

(2) intentional with drug poisoning as Suicide. If the manner of death is reported as something other than Suicide, code as undetermined. If, however, the manner of death is marked Natural, Blank, or Pending Investigation code as Suicide.

Codes for Record

I (a) Sudden cardiac arrest I469

(b) Intentional drug overdose T509 X64

II Morbid obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension E668 G473 I10

Natural

Code to X64, interpreting as suicide since MOD is natural.

c. When components of combinations of medicinal agents classifiable to X40-X44 are involved, proceed as follows:

(1) When accidental poisoning from a single drug is reported in Part I with a combination of drugs in Part II, code the external cause code for the drug reported in Part I.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute barbiturate intoxication T423 X41

II Accident - Took unknown amount of barbiturates and aspirin T423 T390

Code to X41, accidental poisoning by barbiturates since certifier indicated this drug was the cause of death.

(2) When accidental poisoning by a combination of drugs classified to different external cause codes is reported and (1) does not apply, code the external cause code to X44, accidental poisoning and exposure to other and unspecified drugs, medicaments, and biological substances. Note that this applies to accidental manner of death only. Use the following codes for the different manners of death: Suicide X64, Homicide X85 and Undetermined Y14. Note that this does not apply to chemicals such as carbon monoxide and acetone.

Codes for Record

I (a) Drug intoxication T509 X44

(b) Digitalis & cocaine intoxication T460 T405

Code to X44, accidental poisoning by and exposure to other and unspecified drugs, medicaments, and biological substances.

(3) Combinations of medicinal agents with alcohol should be coded to the medicinal agent.

Codes for Record

I (a) Acute respiratory failure J960

(b) due to synergistic action T519 X45 T404 X42

Code to X42, accidental poisoning by and exposure to narcotics and psychodysleptics (hallucinogens), not elsewhere classified. Synergistic action of alcohol and a medicinal agent is classified to poisoning by the medicinal agent.

Codes for Record

I (a) Alcohol and barbiturate intoxication T519 X45 T423 X41

Code to X41, accidental poisoning by and exposure to antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic, antiparkinsonism and psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified. Alcoholic intoxication or poisoning reported in combination with medicinal agents is classified to poisoning by the medicinal agents.

EXCEPTION: When alcohol poisoning is reported in Part I and drug poisoning in Part II, code to the alcohol.

Codes for Record

I (a) Poisoning by alcohol T519 X45

(b)

II Toxic levels of heroin and flunitrazepam T401 X44 T424

Code to X45, accidental poisoning by and exposure to alcohol. Alcohol poisoning reported in Part I with drug poisoning in Part II is coded to the alcohol.

2. Carbon monoxide poisoning

Code carbon monoxide poisoning from motor vehicle exhaust gas to noncollision motor vehicle accident (traffic) according to type of motor vehicle involved unless there is indication the motor vehicle was not in transit. Consider statements of “sleeping in car,” “sitting in car,” “in parked car” or place stated as “garage” to indicate the motor vehicle was “not in transit.” Assume “not in transit” in self-harm (intentional) and self-inflicted cases.

X49 Accidental poisoning by and exposure to other and unspecified chemicals and noxious substances

When conditions classified to A000-R99 are reported due to “second hand smoke”, X49 is assigned for the term but will not be the uc. Apply the selection and modification rules as though the "second hand smoke" were not reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pulmonary emphysema J439

(b) Second hand smoke X49

Code to emphysema, unspecified (J439).

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Second hand smoke X49

Code to cardiac arrest, unspecified (I469).

X60-X84 Intentional self-harm

The categories X60-X84 include intentionally self-inflicted poisoning or injury as well as deaths specified as suicide (attempted). The codes are indexed under the event as well as under “Suicide” in the External causes of injury index.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hanging T71 X70

Suicide

Code to intentional self-harm by hanging, strangulation and suffocation (X70).

X85-Y09 Assault

The categories X85-Y09 include injuries inflicted by another person with intent to injure or kill by any means as well as deaths specified as homicide. The codes are indexed under the event as well as under “Assault” in the External causes of injury index.

When the manner of death block is marked as Homicide but the certifier specifies Accident elsewhere on the certificate, code as Accident. The definition of homicide as "death at the hands of another" may lead certifiers to mark Homicide in the checkbox when really the death itself was unintentional.

Words like deliberately, intentionally, purposefully or assault can be interpreted as intentional and coded as homicide.

Codes for Record

I (a) Gunshot wound T141 X95

Homicide

Code to assault by other and unspecified firearm discharge (X95).

Codes for Record

I (a) Accidental gunshot wound T141 W34

Homicide

Code to Discharge from other and unspecified firearms (W34).

Y07 Other maltreatment syndromes

1. Code to category Y070-Y079, if the age of the decedent is under 18 years and the cause of death meets one of the following criteria:

a. The certifier specifies abuse, beating, battering, or other maltreatment, even if homicide is not specified.

Male, 3 years Codes for Record

I (a) Traumatic head injuries S099

(b)

(c)

II Deceased had been beaten Y079

Home

Code to other maltreatment syndromes by unspecified person (Y079).

b. The certifier specifies homicide and injury or injuries with indication of more than one episode of injury, i.e., current injury coupled with old or healed injury consistent with a history of child abuse.

Male, 1-1/2 years Codes for Record

I (a) Anoxic encephalopathy G931

(b) Subdural hematoma S065

II Y079

Homicide

Code to other maltreatment syndromes by unspecified person (Y079).

c. The certifier specifies homicide and multiple injuries consistent with an assumption of beating or battering, if assault by a peer, intruder, or by someone unknown to the child cannot be reasonably inferred from the reported information.

Female, 1 year Codes for Record

I (a) Massive internal bleeding T148

(b) Multiple internal injuries T065

(c)

II Injury occurred by child being struck T149 Y079

Homicide

Code to other maltreatment syndromes by unspecified person (Y079).

2. Deaths at ages under 18 years for which the cause of death certification specifies homicide and an injury occurring as an isolated episode, with no indication of previous mistreatment, should not be classified to Y070-Y079. This excludes from Y070-Y079 deaths due to injuries specified to be the result of events such as shooting, stabbing, hanging, fighting, or involvement in robbery or other crime, because it cannot be assumed that such injuries were inflicted simply in the course of punishment or cruel treatment.

Female, 1 year Codes for Record

I (a) Hypovolemic shock T794

(b) Laceration of heart S268

II Stabbed with kitchen knife by mother T141

Homicide

Home

Code to assault by sharp object (X99).

Y10-Y34 Event of undetermined intent

Y10-Y34 are for use when it is stated that an investigation by a medical or legal authority has not determined whether the injuries are accidental, suicidal, or homicidal. They include such statements as “jumped or fell,” “don’t know,” “accidental or homicidal,” “accidental or suicide,” “undetermined.” They also include self-inflicted injuries, other than poisoning, when not specified whether accidental or with intent to harm. When more than one manner of death is indicated on the certificate, code as could not be determined.

Codes for Record

I (a) Fx. skull, laceration of brain S029 S062

II Y34

Unknown whether accidental or homicide

Code to unspecified event, undetermined intent (Y34).

Codes for Record

I (a) Barbiturate overdose T423 Y11

Undetermined

Code to poisoning by and exposure to antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic, antiparkinsonism and psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified, undetermined intent (Y11).

Codes for Record

I (a) Cerebral hemorrhage S062

(b) Shot self in head S019 Y24

Code to other and unspecified firearm discharge, undetermined intent (Y24).

Y40-Y59 Drugs, medicaments and biological substances causing adverse effects in therapeutic use

1. Condition due to (named) drug or drug therapy

When a condition is reported due to a (named) drug or drug therapy, consider the condition to be a complication of a correct drug and medicinal substance properly administered providing the sequence is acceptable. This instruction also includes a condition reported due to drug use or named drug use unless:

• The drug is one which is not used for medical purposes, e.g., LSD or heroin.

• It was an analgesic, sedative, narcotic or psychotropic drug (or combination thereof) or drug NOS

AND the certifier indicated the death was due to an “accident”, “suicide”, or it occurred under “undetermined circumstances,”

• One or more of these drugs was taken in conjunction with alcohol

If one of the exceptions apply, code to poisoning (refer to Section IV, B, X40-X49). Use the following instructions to select the correct underlying cause if a condition is reported due to a (named) drug or drug therapy.

a. If the condition for which the drug is being administered is stated, code this condition as the underlying cause applying any appropriate modification rule(s).

Codes for Record

I (a) Allergic reaction T887

(b) Drug therapy Y579

Code to pyelitis (N12), the condition requiring treatment.

Codes for Record

I (a) Diabetes E139

(b) Steroid Use Y427

II Rheumatoid Arthritis M069

Code to rheumatoid arthritis (M069), the condition requiring treatment.

Codes for Record

I (a) Pulmonary insufficiency J984

(b) Drug given for tachycardia Y579

Code to pulmonary insufficiency (J984), the complication of the drug. Tachycardia is selected as the condition for which the drug was administered, then disregarded by Rule A and the complication of the drug is reselected.

b. If the condition being treated is not stated, and the complication of the drug therapy is indexed to Chapters I-XVIII, code this condition as the underlying cause applying any appropriate modification rule(s).

Codes for Record

I (a) Respiratory arrest R092

(b) Ulcer of stomach K259

Code to ulcer of stomach (K259), the complication of the drug therapy as classified in Chapters I-XVIII.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Drug therapy Y579

Code to Y579, drug or medicament unspecified. Cardiac arrest, the complication of the therapy, is selected as the TUC since the condition being treated is not stated. Rule A is applied and the code for the drug is reselected.

c. If the condition being treated is not stated, and the complication is indexed to Chapter XIX, code external cause Y40-Y59 as the underlying cause.

Codes for Record

I (a) Allergic reaction to T887 Y400

(b) penicillin

Code to adverse effect of penicillin in correct usage (Y400) since Allergic (reaction), drug is indexed T887 in Chapter XIX.

2. Intoxication by drug

When “intoxication by drug” is reported or indicated to be due to treatment for a condition or due to drug therapy, consider as a complication of drug therapy, not poisoning.

Codes for Record

I (a) Cardiac arrest I469

(b) Digitalis intoxication T887 Y520

Code to ASHD (I251), the condition requiring treatment. Digitalis intoxication is indicated to be drug therapy since it is reported due to a condition for which it could have been given.

3. Combined effects of two or more drugs

When a complication is reported due to the combined effects of two or more drugs:

a. When the drugs are classified to different fourth characters of the same three-character category, code the appropriate E-code with the fourth character for “other.”

Codes for Record

I (a) Adverse reaction T887

(b) Valium and sleeping pills Y478

Code to other sedatives, hypnotics and antianxiety drugs, the combination code for valium and sleeping pills (Y478).

b. When the drugs are classified to different three-character categories, code the E-code to Y578, “Other drugs and medicaments.”

Codes for Record

I (a) Adverse reaction T887

(b) Anticoagulant and aspirin Y578

Code to other drugs and medicaments, the combination code for anticoagulant and aspirin (Y578).

Y60-Y83 Adverse effects and misadventures occurring as a result of a surgical procedure

In determining a sequence of conditions involving surgery, first determine if a complication is reported. Therefore, it is necessary to know if a condition can be due to the surgery and thus be regarded as a complication. Although almost any condition reported due to surgery is regarded as a complication, there are a few diseases that are not considered complications. The following are not regarded as complications of surgery:

Infectious and parasitic diseases A000-A309, A320-A329, A360-A399,

A420-A449, A481-A488, A500-A690,

A692-B349, B500-B949

Neoplasms C000-D489

Hemophilia D66, D67, D680, D681, D682

Diabetes E10-E14

Alcoholic disorders E52, E244, F101-F109, G312, G405,

G621, G721, I426, K292, K700-K709,

K852, K860, L278, R780, R826, R893

Rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart I00-I099

disease

Hypertensive diseases I11-I139, I150, I159

Coronary artery disease I251

Coronary disease

Ischemic cardiomyopathy I255

Chronic or degenerative myocarditis I514

Arteriosclerosis and arteriosclerotic

conditions except those classified

to I219

Calculus or stones of any kind

Influenza J09-J118

Hernia except ventral (incisional) K400-K429, K440-K469

Diverticulitis K570-K579

Rheumatoid arthritis M050-M089

Collagen disease M300-M359

Congenital malformations Q000-Q999

This is not an all inclusive list.

Codes for Record

I (a) Myocardial infarction I219

(b) Arteriosclerosis I709

Code to myocardial infarction (I219) by Rules 1 and C, since arteriosclerosis is not accepted as due to surgery.

Code for Record

I (a) Diabetic gangrene E145

(b) Leg amputation

Code to diabetic gangrene (E145) since diabetes is not accepted as due to surgery.

When a sequence of conditions involving an operation is responsible for a death, the cause for which the operation was performed is coded, unless it is the result of another condition. In the latter case, the original cause is coded. If the reason for the operation is not stated or implied, select the external cause code for the operation as the underlying cause. However, when selecting the sequence responsible for death, no preference is given because an operation was involved.

If a term denoting an operation is selected as the cause of death without mention of the condition for which it was performed, or of the findings of the operation, and the Index provides no assignment for it:

1. It is assumed that the condition for which the operation is usually performed was present and assignment will be made in accordance with the rules for selection of the cause of death (e.g. code “appendectomy” to K37).

Use the following codes when these surgical procedures are reported and the condition necessitating the surgery is not reported:

Aorta (with any other vessel NEC) bypass or graft...... I779

Aorta coronary bypass or graft......................... I251

Atrio-ventricular shunt................................ G919

Bariatric surgery...................................... E668

Billroth (I or II).................................... K3190

Brock valvulotomy...................................... Q223

Cardiac revascularization.............................. I251

Carotid endarterectomy................................. I679

Choledochoduodenostomy................................. K839

Cholecystectomy........................................ K829

Cholelithotomy......................................... K802

Colostomy.............................................. K639

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).................... I251

Coronary endarterectomy................................ I251

Coronary revascularization............................. I251

Endarterectomy (artery) (aorta)........................ I779

Femoral bypass......................................... I779

Femoral-popliteal bypass............................... I779

Gastrectomy........................................... K3190

Gastric stapling....................................... E668

Gastroenterostomy...................................... K929

Gastro-intestinal surgery NOS.......................... K929

Gastrojejunostomy...................................... K929

Gastrojejunectomy...................................... K929

Herniorrhaphy................................... code hernia

Hip fixation.............................. code hip fracture

Hip pinning............................... code hip fracture

Hip prosthesis......................................... M259

Hip replacement........................................ M259

Hysterectomy........................................... N859

Ileal conduit.......................................... N399

Ileal loop............................................. N399

Iliofemoral bypass..................................... I779

Lobectomy - when indicating lung...................... J9840

Mammary artery (internal) implant...................... I251

Revascularization of heart............................. I251

Revascularization, myocardial.......................... I251

T and A................................................ J359

Thoracoplasty.......................................... J989

Tonsillectomy.......................................... J359

Ureterosigmoid bypass.................................. N399

Ureterosigmoidostomy................................... N399

Vein stripping......................................... I839

Ventricular peritoneal shunt........................... G919

Vineberg operation..................................... I251

2. However, if the name of the operation leaves in doubt what specific morbid condition was present, additional information is to be sought.

3. If there is no further information concerning the condition for which the surgery was performed, code to the residual category for disease of the site indicated by the name of the operation. Do not assume a disease condition for other medical care.

4. When neither the organ nor the site is indicated in the operative term, code the appropriate external cause code for the surgery.

5. If the reason for the operation is not stated or implied, code the appropriate external cause code for the surgery.

6. When the only reported condition indicates an operation and the record cannot be classified by the previous instructions, code to “Other ill-defined and unspecified causes of mortality” (R99).

These procedures include:

amputation pelvic exenteration

arteriovenous shunt portocaval shunt

chordotomy radical neck dissection

craniotomy rhizotomy

cystostomy sympathectomy

D & C tracheotomy

gastrostomy tracheostomy

laminectomy tubal ligation

laparotomy vagotomy

lobectomy NOS vasectomy

lobotomy vas ligation

If one of these types of procedures is the only entry on the certificate, code R99.

7. For complications of operations for purposes of applying Rule 3, Direct sequel, refer to Section II, Selection Rule 3.

Y84 Other medical procedures as the cause of abnormal reaction of the patient, or of later complication, without mention of misadventure at the time of procedure.

This category is not to be used if the reason for treatment is indicated. However, do not assume a condition for the reason medical care was administered.

Y60-Y69 Misadventures to patients during surgical and medical care

These categories are limited to deaths explicitly indicated to be the result of an error or accident during medical care. These categories are not to be used if the condition requiring treatment is indicated. When the condition requiring treatment is not stated or implied, code the underlying cause to Y60-Y69. This does not apply when serum hepatitis is reported as a complication of blood transfusion, in this case code the underlying cause to serum hepatitis provided the reason for treatment is not reported.

Codes for Record

I (a) Shock R579

(b) Laceration of liver T812

Code to accidental cut (laceration) during needle biopsy (Y606). “Laceration” is an explicit indication of accident during medical care. The condition requiring treatment is not stated.

Codes for Record

I (a) Peritonitis K659

(b) Perforated jejunum T812

(d) carcinoma of small bowel C179

Code to carcinoma of small bowel (C179), the reason for the surgery.

Codes for Record

I (a) Laceration of heart T812

(b) Open heart surgery Y600 I519

Code to I519, Disease, heart, as the condition for which the surgery was performed.

Codes for Record

I (a) Hemorrhage during T810

(b) craniotomy Y600

Code to hemorrhage during surgical and medical care (Y600). Interpret hemorrhage stated as “intraoperative” or “during” medical and surgical care as a misadventure during surgical and medical care.

Codes for Record

I (a) Serum hepatitis B169

(b) Blood transfusion Y640

Code to serum hepatitis (B169). The E-code for blood transfusion is not used since serum hepatitis is the complication.

Codes for Record

I (a) Rib fracture T818

(b) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation Y658

Code to Y658, Other specified misadventure during surgical and medical care. Interpret fracture (thoracic area) reported due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation as a misadventure during medical care.

Y85-Y89 Sequela of external causes of morbidity and mortality

A sequela is a late effect, an after effect, or a residual of a nature of injury or external cause. The Classification provides categories Y850-Y899 for sequela of external causes. If either the nature of injury or the external cause requires a sequela code, the selected external cause must be coded to a sequela category. Use the following guidelines to determine when the external cause should be coded to a sequela category.

Y850 Sequela of motor vehicle accident (includes V01-V89)

Y859 Sequela of other and unspecified transport accidents (includes V90-V99)

Y86 Sequela of other accidents (excludes W78-W80)

Y870 Sequela of intentional self-harm

Y871 Sequela of assault

Y872 Sequela of events of undetermined intent

Y880 Sequela of adverse effects caused by drugs, medicaments, and biological substances in therapeutic use

Y881 Sequela of misadventures to patients during surgical and medical procedures

Y882 Sequela of adverse incidents associated with medical devices in diagnostic and therapeutic use

Y883 Sequela of surgical and medical procedures as the cause of abnormal reaction of the patient, or of later complication, without mention of misadventure at the time of the procedure

Y890 Sequela of legal intervention

Y891 Sequela of war operations

Y899 Sequela of unspecified external cause

1. Stated sequela of external causes, injuries or trauma unless the interval between date of external cause and date of death is less than 1 year.

Codes for Record

I (a) Sequela of hip fracture T931

(b)

(c)

II Y86

Code to Y86 since a sequela of hip fracture is reported.

2. Injuries described as ancient, by history, healed, history, history of, late effect of, old, remote or delayed union, malunion or nonunion of a fracture regardless of duration.

Codes for Record

I (a) Old head injuries T909

(b) Gunshot wound T941 Y870

II Attempted suicide

Code to Y870, sequela of intentional self-harm, since injuries are “old.”

3. External causes described as ancient, by history, history, history of, old, remote, regardless of reported duration.

Codes for Record

I (a) Old fall, fractured hip 6 months T931 Y86

(b)

(c)

II Accident Fell and fractured hip T931

6 months ago

Code to Y86, sequela of other accidents, since the external cause is stated as “old.”

4. External causes, injuries, or trauma when interval between occurrence and death is 1 year or more.

Codes for Record

I (a) Fractured spine T911

(b) Automobile accident, 18 mos ago Y850

Code to Y850, sequela of automobile accident, since duration is one year or more.

Codes for Record

I (a) Renal failure N19

(b) Intestinal obstruction K566

II Surgery - 16 months ago Y883

Code to Y883, sequela of surgical and medical procedures, since surgery was performed one year or more before death.

5. A condition with a duration of one year or more reported due to the external cause, injuries, or trauma.

Codes for Record

I (a) Respiratory failure J969

(b) Paraplegia 2 years T913

Code to Y850, sequela of motor vehicle accident, since a condition with a duration of one year or more is reported due to the external cause. Category Y850 includes categories classified to V01-V89.

Appendix A - Infrequent and Rare Cause-of-Death Edits for Underlying and Multiple Cause-of-Death Classification

A00 Cholera

A01 Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers

A05.1 Botulism (botulism, infant botulism, wound botulism)

A07.0-.2, .8-.9 Other protozoal intestinal diseases, excluding coccidiosis

A08.0 Rotaviral enteritis-less than 5 years of age

A20 Plague

A21 Tularemia

A22 Anthrax

A23 Brucellosis

A24.0 Glanders

A24.1-.4 Melioidosis

A25 Rat-bite fever

A27 Leptospirosis

A30 Leprosy

A33 Tetanus neonatorum

A34 Obstetrical tetanus

A35 Other tetanus (tetanus)

A36 Diphtheria

A37 Whooping cough

A39.0 Meningococcal meningitis

A39.4 Meningococcaemia

A44 Bartonellosis

A49.1 Streptococcus pneumoniae - less than 5 years of age

A65 Nonvenereal syphilis

A66 Yaws

A67 Pinta

A68 Relapsing fever

A69 Other spirochetal infection

A70 Chlamydia psittaci infection (ornithosis)

A75 Typhus fever

A77.1 Spotted fever due to Rickettsia conorii (Boutonneuse fever)

A77.2 Spotted fever due to Rickettsia siberica (North Asian tick fever)

A77.3 Spotted fever due to Rickettsia australis (Queensland tick typhus)

A77.8 Other spotted fevers (other tick-borne rickettsioses)

A77.9 Unspecified spotted fevers (unspecified tick-borne rickettsioses)

A78 Q fever

A79 Other rickettsioses

A80 Acute poliomyelitis

A81 Atypical virus infections of central nervous system

A82 Rabies

A84 Tick-borne viral encephalitis

A85.2 Arthropod-borne viral encephalitis, unspecified (viral encephalitis transmitted by other and unspecified arthropods)

A90 Dengue fever

A91 Dengue hemorrhagic fever

A92 Other mosquito-borne viral fevers

A93 Other arthropod-borne viral fevers including Oropouche fever, sandfly fever, Colorado tick fever and other specified

A94 Unspecified arthropod-borne viral fever

A95 Yellow fever

A96 Arenaviral hemorrhagic fever

A98-A99 Other viral hemorrhagic fevers including Crimean-Congo, Omsk, Kyasanur Forest, Ebola virus, Hanta virus

B01 Varicella (chickenpox)

B03 Smallpox

B04 Monkeypox

B05 Measles

B06 Rubella

B08.0 Other orthopoxvirus (cowpox and paravaccinia)

B15 Acute hepatitis A - less than 20 years of age

B16 Acute hepatitis B - less than 20 years of age

B26 Mumps

B33.0 Epidemic myalgia (epidemic pleurodynia)

B33.4 Hantavirus (cardio)-pulmonary syndrome [HPS] [HCPS]

B50-B54 Malaria

B55 Leishmaniasis

B56 African trypanosomiasis (trypanosomiasis)

B57 Chagas disease (trypanosomiasis)

B60.2 Naegleriasis

B65 Schistosomiasis

B66 Other fluke infections (other trematode infection)

B67 Echinococcosis

B68 Taeniasis

B69 Cysticercosis

B70 Diphyllobothriasis and sparganosis

B71 Other cestode infections

B72 Dracunculiasis (dracontiasis)

B73 Onchocerciasis

B74 Filariasis (filarial infection)

J09 Influenza due to certain identified influenza virus

P35.0 Congenital rubella syndrome

U04.9 Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), unspecified

W88-W91 Exposure to radiation

Y36.5 War operation involving nuclear weapons

Causing adverse effects in therapeutic use:

Y58 Bacterial vaccines

Y59.0 Viral vaccines

Y59.1 Rickettsial vaccines

Y59.2 Protozoal vaccines

Y59.3 Immunoglobulin

Appendix B - Created Codes and Their Complimentary Valid ICD-10 Codes

Created Code Valid ICD-10 Code

A1690 A169

E0390 E039

G1220 G122

G2000 G20

I2190 I219

I4200 I420

I4210 I421

I4220 I422

I4250 I425

I4280 I428

I4290 I429

I5000 I500

I5140 I514

I5150 I515

I6000 I600

I6060 I606

I6070 I607

I6080 I608

I6090 I609

I6100 I610

I6110 I611

I6120 I612

I6130 I613

I6140 I614

I6150 I615

I6180 I618

I6190 I619

I6300 I630

I6310 I631

I6320 I632

I6330 I633

I6340 I634

I6350 I635

I6360 I636

I6380 I638

I6390 I639

I6400 I64

I6910 I691

I6930 I693

I6940 I694

J1010 J101

J1110 J111

J8490 J849

J9840 J984

K3190 K319

K5500 K550

K6310 K631

K7200 K720

K7210 K721

K7290 K729

M1990 M199

Q2780 Q278

Q2820 Q282

Q2830 Q283

R5800 R58

R97 R99

Appendix C - Geographic Codes

Alabama AL

Alaska AK

Arizona AZ

Arkansas AR

California CA

Colorado CO

Connecticut CT

Delaware DE

District of Columbia DC

Florida FL

Georgia GA

Hawaii HI

Idaho ID

Illinois IL

Indiana IN

Iowa IA

Kansas KS

Kentucky KY

Louisiana LA

Maine ME

Maryland MD

Massachusetts MA

Michigan MI

Minnesota MN

Mississippi MS

Missouri MO

Montana MT

Nebraska NE

Nevada NV

New Hampshire NH

New Jersey NJ

New Mexico NM

New York NY

North Carolina NC

North Dakota ND

Ohio OH

Oklahoma OK

Oregon OR

Pennsylvania PA

Puerto Rico PR

Rhode Island RI

South Carolina SC

South Dakota SD

Tennessee TN

Texas TX

Utah UT

Vermont VT

Virginia VA

Virgin Islands VI

Washington WA

West Virginia WV

Wisconsin WI

Wyoming WY

Territories and Outlying Areas

American Samoa AS

Federated States of Micronesia FM

Guam GU

Marshall Islands MH

Northern Mariana Islands MP

Palau PW

Puerto Rico PR

Virgin Islands (US) VI

US Minor Outlying Islands UM*

Baker Island

Howland Island

Jarvis Island

Johnston Atoll

Kingman Reef

Midway Islands

Navassa Island

Palmyra Atoll

Wake Island

*Not recognized as a valid USPS State abbreviation

Appendix D - Standard Abbreviations and Symbols

When an abbreviation is reported on the certificate, refer to this list to determine what the abbreviation represents. If an abbreviation represents more than one term, determine the correct abbreviation by using other information on the certificate. If no determination can be made, use abbreviation for first term listed.

A2GDM class A2 gestational diabetes mellitus

AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm

AAS aortic arch syndrome

AAT alpha-antitrypsin

AAV AIDS-associated virus

AB abdomen; abortion; asthmatic bronchitis

ABD abdomen

ABE acute bacterial endocarditis

ABS acute brain syndrome

ACA adenocarcinoma

ACD arteriosclerotic coronary disease

ACH adrenal cortical hormone

ACT acute coronary thrombosis

ACTH adrenocorticotrophic hormone

ACVD arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

ADEM acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

ADH antidiuretic hormone

ADS antibody deficiency syndrome

AEG air encephalogram

AF auricular or atrial fibrillation; acid fast

AFB acid-fast bacillus

AGG agammaglobulinemia

AGL acute granulocytic leukemia

AGN acute glomerulonephritis

AGS adrenogenital syndrome

AHA acquired hemolytic anemia; autoimmune hemolytic anemia

AHD arteriosclerotic heart disease

AHHD arteriosclerotic hypertensive heart disease

AHG anti-hemophilic globulin deficiency

AHLE acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis

AI aortic insufficiency; additional information

AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

AKA above knee amputation

AKI acute kidney injury

ALC alcoholism

ALL acute lymphocytic leukemia

ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

AMA advanced maternal age; against medical advice; antimitochondrial antibody(ies)

AMI acute myocardial infarction

AML acute myelocytic leukemia

ANS arteriolonephrosclerosis

AOD arterial occlusive disease

AODM adult onset diabetes mellitus

AOM acute otitis media

AP angina pectoris; anterior and posterior repair; artificial pneumothorax; anterior pituitary

A&P anterior and posterior repair

APC auricular premature contraction; acetylsalicylic acid, acetophenetidin, and caffeine

APE acute pulmonary edema; anterior pituitary extract

APH antepartum hemorrhage

AR aortic regurgitation

ARC AIDS-related complex

ARDS adult respiratory distress syndrome

ARF acute respiratory failure; acute renal failure

ARM artificial rupture of membranes

ARV AIDS-related virus

ARVD arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia

AS arteriosclerotic; arteriosclerosis; aortic stenosis

ASA acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)

ASAD arteriosclerotic artery disease

ASCAD arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease

ASCD arteriosclerotic coronary disease

ASCHD arteriosclerotic coronary heart disease

ASCRD arteriosclerotic cardiorenal disease

ASCVA arteriosclerotic cerebrovascular accident

ASCVD arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

ASCVR arteriosclerotic cardiovascular renal disease

ASCVRD arteriosclerotic cardiovascular renal disease

ASD atrial septal defect

ASDHD arteriosclerotic decompensated heart disease

ASHCVD arteriosclerotic hypertensive cardiovascular disease

ASHD arteriosclerotic heart disease; atrioseptal heart defect

ASHHD arteriosclerotic hypertensive heart disease

ASHVD arteriosclerotic hypertensive vascular disease

ASO arteriosclerosis obliterans

ASPVD arteriosclerotic peripheral vascular disease

ASVD arteriosclerotic vascular disease

ASVH(D) arteriosclerotic vascular heart disease

AT atherosclerosis; atherosclerotic; atrial tachycardia; antithrombin

ATC all-terrain cycle

ATN acute tubular necrosis

ATS arteriosclerosis

ATSHD arteriosclerotic heart disease

ATV all-terrain vehicle

AUL acute undifferentiated leukemia

AV arteriovenous; atrioventricular; aortic valve

AVF arterio-ventricular fibrillation; arteriovenous fistula

AVH acute viral hepatitis

AVNRT atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia

AVP aortic valve prosthesis

AVR aortic valve replacement

AVRT atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia

AWMI anterior wall myocardial infarction

AZT azidothymidine

BA basilar artery; basilar arteriogram; bronchial asthma

B&B bronchoscopy and biopsy

BBB bundle branch block

B&C biopsy and cauterization

BCE basal cell epithelioma

BE barium enema

BEH benign essential hypertension

BGL Bartholin gland

BKA below knee amputation

BL bladder; bucolingual; blood loss; Burkitt lymphoma

BMR basal metabolism rate

BNA bladder neck adhesions

BNO bladder neck obstruction

BOMSA bilateral otitis media serous acute

BOMSC bilateral otitis media serous chronic

BOW 'bag of water' (membrane)

B/P, BP blood pressure

BPH benign prostate hypertrophy

BSA body surface area

BSO bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

BSP Bromosulfaphthalein (test)

BTL bilateral tubal ligation

BUN blood, urea, and nitrogen test

BVL bilateral vas ligation

B&W Baldy-Webster suspension (uterine)

BX biopsy

BX CX biopsy cervix

Ca cancer

CA cancer; cardiac arrest; carotid arteriogram

CABG coronary artery bypass graft

CABS coronary artery bypass surgery

CAD coronary artery disease

CAG chronic atrophic gastritis

CAO coronary artery occlusion; chronic airway obstruction

CAR cardiac arrest

CAS cerebral arteriosclerosis

CASCVD chronic arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

CASHD chronic arteriosclerotic heart disease

CAT computerized axial tomography

CB chronic bronchitis

CBC complete blood count

CBD common bile duct; chronic brain disease

CBS chronic brain syndrome

CCF chronic congestive failure

CCI chronic cardiac or coronary insufficiency

CF congestive failure; cystic fibrosis; Christmas factor (PTC)

CFT chronic follicular tonsillitis

CGL chronic granulocytic leukemia

CGN chronic glomerulonephritis

CHA congenital hypoplastic anemia

CHB complete heart block

CHD congestive heart disease; coronary heart disease; congenital heart disease; Chediak-Higaski Disease

CHF congestive heart failure

C2H5OH ethyl alcohol

CI cardiac insufficiency; cerebral infarction

CID cytomegalic inclusiondisease

CIS carcinoma in situ

CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

CLD chronic lung disease; chronic liver disease

CLL chronic lymphatic leukemia; chronic lymphocytic leukemia

CMID cytomegalic inclusion disease

CML chronic myelocytic leukemia

CMM cutaneous malignant melanoma

CMV cytomegalic virus

CNHD congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic disease

CNS central nervous system

CO carbon monoxide

COAD chronic obstructive airway disease

CO2 carbon dioxide

COBE chronic obstructive bullous emphysema

COBS chronic organic brain syndrome

COFS cerebro-oculo-facio-skeletal

COOMBS test for Rh sensitivity

COLD chronic obstructive lung disease

COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COPE chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema

CP cerebral palsy; cor pulmonale

C&P cystoscopy and pyelography

CPB cardiopulmonary bypass

CPC chronic passive congestion

CPD cephalopelvic disproportion; contagious pustular dermatitis

CPE chronic pulmonary emphysema

CRD chronic renal disease

CREST calcinosis cutis, Raynaud phenomenon, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasis

CRF cardiorespiratory failure; chronic renal failure

CRST calcinosis cutis, Raynaud phenomenon, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasis

CS coronary sclerosis; cesarean section; cerebro-spinal

CSF cerebral spinal fluid

CSH chronic subdural hematoma

CSM cerebrospinal meningitis

CT computer tomography; cerebral thrombosis; coronary thrombosis

CTD congenital thymic dysplasia

CU cause unknown

CUC chronic ulcerative colitis

CUP cystoscopy, urogram, pyelogram (retro)

CUR cystocele, urethrocele, rectocele

CV cardiovascular; cerebrovascular

CVA cerebrovascular accident

CV accident cerebral vascular accident

CVD cardiovascular disease

CVHD cardiovascular heart disease

CVI cardiovascular insufficiency; cerebrovascular insufficiency

CVID common variable immunodeficiency

CVRD cardiovascular renal disease

CWP coalworker pneumoconiosis

CX cervix

DA degenerative arthritis

DBI phenformin hydrochloride

D&C dilation and curettage

DCR dacrocystorhinostomy

D&D drilling and drainage; debridement and dressing

D&E dilation and evacuation

DFU dead fetus in utero

DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation

DILD diffuse infiltrative lung disease

DIP distal interphalangeal joint; desquamative interstitial pneumonia

DJD degenerative joint disease

DM diabetes mellitus

DMT dimethyltriptamine

DOA dead on arrival

DOPS diffuse obstructive pulmonary syndrome

DPT diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine

DR diabetic retinopathy

DS Down syndrome

DT due to; delirium tremens

D/T due to; delirium tremens

DU diagnosis unknown; duodenal ulcer

DUB dysfunctional uterine bleeding

DUI driving under influence

DVT deep vein thrombosis

DWI driving while intoxicated

DX dislocation; diagnosis; disease

EBV Epstein-Barr virus

ECCE extracapsular cataract extraction

ECG electrocardiogram

E coli Escherichia coli

ECT electric convulsive therapy

EDC expected date of confinement

EEE Eastern equine encephalitis

EEG electroencephalogram

EFE endocardial fibroelastosis

EGL eosinophilic granuloma of lung

EH enlarged heart; essential hypertension

EIOA excessive intake of alcohol

EKC epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

EKG electrocardiogram

EKP epikeratoprosthesis

ELF elective low forceps

EMC encephalomyocarditis

EMD electromechanical dissociation

EMF endomyocardial fibrosis

EMG electromyogram

EN erythema nodosum

ENT ear, nose, and throat

EP ectopic pregnancy

ER emergency room

ERS evacuation of retained secundines

ESRD end-stage renal disease

EST electric shock therapy

ETOH ethyl alcohol

EUA exam under anesthesia

EWB estrogen withdrawal bleeding

FB foreign body

FBS fasting blood sugar

Fe symbol for iron

FGD fatal granulomatous disease

FHS fetal heart sounds

FHT fetal heart tone

FLSA follicular lymphosarcoma

FME full-mouth extraction

FS frozen section; fracture site

FT full term

FTA fluorescent treponemal antibody test

FTD fronto-temporal dementia

5FU fluorouracil

FUB functional uterine bleeding

FULG fulguration

FUO fever unknown origin

FX fracture

FYI for your information

GAS generalized arteriosclerosis

GB gallbladder; Guillain-Barre (syndrome)

GC gonococcus; gonorrhea; general circulation (systemic)

GE gastroesophageal

GEN generalized

GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease

GI gastrointestinal

GIB gastrointestinal bleeding

GIST gastrointestinal stromal tumor

GIT gastrointestinal tract

GMSD grand mal seizure disorder

GOK God only knows

GSW gunshot wound

GTT glucose tolerance test

Gtt drop

GU genitourinary; gastric ulcer

GVHR graft-versus-host reaction

GYN gynecology

HA headache

HAA hepatitis-associated antigen

HASCVD hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

HASCVR hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular renal disease

HASHD hypertensive arteriosclerotic heart disease

HBP high blood pressure

HC Huntington chorea

HCAP health care associated pneumonia

HCPS Hantivirus (cardio) pulmonary syndrome, Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome

HCT hematocrit

HCVD hypertensive cardiovascular disease

HCVRD hypertensive cardiovascular renal disease

HD Hodgkin disease; heart disease

HDN hemolytic disease of newborn

HDS herniated disc syndrome

HEM hemorrhage

HF heart failure; hay fever

HGB; Hgb hemoglobin

HHD hypertensive heart disease

HIV human immunodeficiency virus

HMD hyaline membrane disease

HN2 nitrogen mustard

HNP herniated nucleus pulposus

H/O history of

HPN hypertension

HPS Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

HPVD hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease

HRE high-resolution electrocardiology

HS herpes simplex; Hurler syndrome

HSV herpes simplex virus

HTLV human T-cell lymphotropic virus

HTLV human T-cell lymphotropic

III/LAV virus-III/lymphadenopathy- associated virus

HTLV-3 human T-cell lymphotropic virus-III

HTLV-III human T-cell lymphotropic virus-III

HTN hypertension

HVD hypertensive vascular disease

Hx history of

IADH inappropriate antidiuretic hormone

IASD interatrial septal defect

ICCE intracapsular cataract extraction

ICD intrauterine contraceptive device

I&D incision and drainage

ID incision and drainage

IDA iron deficiency anemia

IDD insulin-dependent diabetes

IDDI insulin-dependent diabetes

IDDM insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

IGA immunoglobin A

IHD ischemic heart disease

IHSS idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis

IIAC idiopathic infantile arterial calcification

ILD interstitial lung disease; ischemic leg disease

IM intramuscular; intramedullary; infectious mononucleosis

IMPP intermittent positive pressure

INAD infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy

INC incomplete

INE infantile necrotizing encephalomyelopathy

INF infection; infected; infantile; infarction

INH isoniazid; inhalation

INS idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

IRDM insulin resistant diabetes mellitus

IRHD inactive rheumatic heart disease

IRIS immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome

ISD interatrial septal defect

ITP idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

IU intrauterine

IUCD intrauterine contraceptive device

IUD intrauterine device (contraceptive); intrauterine death

IUP intrauterine pregnancy

IV intervenous; intravenous

IVC intravenous cholangiography; inferior vena cava

IVCC intravascular consumption coagulopathy

IVD intervertebral disc

IVH intraventricular hemorrhage

IVP intravenous pyelogram

IVSD intraventricular septal defect

IVU intravenous urethrography

IWMI inferior wall myocardial infarction

JAA juxtaposition of atrial appendage

JBE Japanese B encephalitis

KFS Klippel-Feil syndrome

KS Klinefelter syndrome

KUB kidney, ureter, bladder

K-W Kimmelstiel-Wilson disease or syndrome

LAP laparotomy

LAV lymphadenopathy-associated virus

LAV/HTLV-III lymphadenopathy-associated virus/human T-cell lymphotrophic virus-III

LBBB left bundle branch block

LBNA lysis bladder neck adhesions

LBW low birth weight

LBWI low birth weight infant

LCA left coronary artery

LDH lactic dehydrogenase

LE lupus erythematosus; lower extremity; left eye

LKS liver, kidney, spleen

LL lower lobe

LLL left lower lobe

LLQ lower left quadrant

LMA left mentoanterior (position of fetus)

LML left middle lobe; left mesiolateral

LMCAT left middle cerebral artery thrombosis

LML left mesiolateral; left mediolateral (episiotomy)

LMP last menstrual period; left mento-posterior (position of fetus)

LN lupus nephritis

LOA left occipitoanterior

LOMCS left otitis media chronic serous

LP lumbar puncture

LRI lower respiratory infection

LS lumbosacral; lymphosarcoma

LSD lysergic acid diethylamide

LSK liver, spleen, kidney

LUL left upper lobe

LUQ left upper quadrant

LV left ventricle

LVF left ventricular failure

LVH left ventricular hypertrophy

MAC mycobacterium avium complex

MAI mycobacterium avium intracellulare

MAL malignant

MBAI mycobacterium avium intracellulare

MBD minimal brain damage

MCA metastatic cancer; middle cerebral artery

MD muscular dystrophy; manic depressive; myocardial damage

MDA methylene dioxyamphetamine

MEA multiple endocrine adenomatosis

MF myocardial failure; myocardial fibrosis; mycosis fungoides

MGN membranous glomerulonephritis

MHN massive hepatic necrosis

MI myocardial infarction; mitral insufficiency

MPC meperidine, promethazine, chlorpromazine

MRS methicillin resistant staphylococcal

MRSA methicillin resistant staphylococcal aureus

MRSAU methicillin resistant staphylococcal aureus

MS multiple sclerosis; mitral stenosis

MSOF multi-system organ failure

MT malignant teratoma

MUA myelogram

MVP mitral valve prolapse

MVR mitral valve regurgitation; mitral valve replacement

NACD no anatomical cause of death

NAFLD nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

NCA neurocirculatory asthenia

NDI nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

NEG negative

NFI no further information

NFTD normal full-term delivery

NG nasogastric

NH3 symbol for ammonia

NIDD non-insulin-dependent diabetes

NIDDI non-insulin-dependent diabetes

NIDDM non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

NSTEMI non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction

N&V nausea and vomiting

NVD nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

OA osteoarthritis

OAD obstructive airway disease

OB obstetrical

OBS organic brain syndrome

OBST obstructive; obstetrical

OD overdose; oculus dexter (right eye); occupational disease

OHD organic heart disease

OLT orthotopic liver transplant

OM otitis media

OMI old myocardial infarction

OMS organic mental syndrome

OPCA olivopontocerebellar atrophy

ORIF open reduction, internal fixation

OS oculus sinister (left eye); occipitosacral (fetal position)

OT occupational therapy; old TB

OU oculus uterque (each eye); both eyes

PA pernicious anemia; paralysis agitans; pulmonary artery; peripheral arteriosclerosis

PAC premature auricular contraction; phenacetin, aspirin, caffeine

PAD peripheral artery disease

PAF paroxysmal auricular fibrillation

PAOD peripheral arterial occlusive disease; peripheral arteriosclerosis occlusive disease

PAP primary atypical pneumonia

PAS pulmonary artery stenosis

PAT pregnancy at term; paroxysmal auricular tachycardia

Pb chemical symbol for lead

PCD polycystic disease

PCF passive congestive failure

PCP pentachlorophenol; pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

PCT porphyria cutanea tarda

PCV polycythemia vera

PDA patent ductus arteriosus

PE pulmonary embolism; pleural effusion; pulmonary edema

PEG percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy; pneumoencephalography

PEGT percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube

PET pre-eclamptic toxemia

PG pregnant; prostaglandin

PGH pituitary growth hormone

PH past history; prostatic hypertrophy; pulmonary hypertension

PI pulmonary infarction

PID pelvic inflammatory disease; prolapsed intervertebral disc

PIE pulmonary interstitial emphysema

PIP proximal interphalangeal joint

PKU phenylketonuria

PMD progressive muscular dystrophy

PMI posterior myocardial infarction; point of maximum impulse

PML progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

PN pneumonia; periarteritis nodosa; pyelonephritis

PO postoperative; by mouth

POC product of conception

POE point (or portal) of entry

POSS possible; possibly

PP postpartum

PPD purified protein derivative test for tuberculosis

PPH postpartum hemorrhage

PPLO pleuropneumonia-like organism

PPROM preterm premature rupture of membranes

PPS postpump syndrome

PPT precipitated; prolonged prothrombin time

PREM prematurity

PROB probably

PROM premature rupture of membranes

PSVT paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

PT paroxysmal tachycardia; pneumothorax; prothrombin time

PTA persistent truncus arteriosus

PTC plasma thromboplastin component

PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

PTLA percutaneous transluminal laser angioplasty

PU peptic ulcer

PUD peptic ulcer disease; pulmonary disease

PUO pyrexia of unknown origin

P&V pyloroplasty and vagotomy

PVC premature ventricular contraction

PVD peripheral vascular disease; pulmonary vascular disease

PVI peripheral vascular insufficiency

PVL periventricular leukomalacia

PVT paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia

PVS premature ventricular systole (contraction)

PWI posterior wall infarction

PWMI posterior wall myocardial infarction

PX pneumothorax

R right

RA rheumatoid arthritis; right atrium; right auricle

RAAA ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

RAD rheumatoid arthritis disease; radiation absorbed dose

RAI radioactive iodine

RBBB right bundle branch block

RBC red blood cells

RCA right coronary artery

RCS reticulum cell sarcoma

RD Raynaud disease; respiratory disease

RDS respiratory distress syndrome

RE regional enteritis

REG radioencephalogram

RESP respiratory

RHD rheumatic heart disease

RLF retrolental fibroplasia

RLL right lower lobe

RLQ right lower quadrant

RMCA right middle cerebral artery

RMCAT right middle cerebral artery thrombosis

RML right middle lobe

RMLE right mediolateral episiotomy

RNA ribonucleic acid

RND radical neck dissection

R/O rule out

RSA reticulum cell sarcoma

RSR regular sinus rhythm

Rt right

RT recreational therapy; right

RTA renal tubular acidosis

RUL right upper lobe

RUQ right upper quadrant

RV right ventricle

RVH right ventricular hypertrophy

RVT renal vein thrombosis

RX drugs or other therapy or treatment

SA sarcoma; secondary anemia

SACD subacute combined degeneration

SARS severe acute respiratory syndrome

SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis

SBO small bowel obstruction

SBP spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

SC sickle cell

SCC squamous cell carcinoma

SCI subcoma insulin; spinal cord injury

SD spontaneous delivery; septal defect; sudden death

SDAT senile dementia Alzheimer type

SDII sudden death in infancy

SDS sudden death syndrome

SEPT septicemia

SF scarlet fever

SGA small for gestational age

SH serum hepatitis

SI saline injection

SIADH syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone

SICD sudden infant crib death

SID sudden infant death

SIDS sudden infant death syndrome

SIRS systemic inflammatory response syndrome

SLC short leg cast

SLE systemic lupus erythematosus; Saint Louis encephalitis

SMR submucous resection

SNB scalene node biopsy

SO or S&O salpingo-oophorectomy

SOB shortness of breath

SOM secretory otitis media

SOR suppurative otitis, recurrent

S/P status post

SPD sociopathic personality disturbance

SPP suprapubic prostatectomy

SQ subcutaneous

S/R schizophrenic reaction; sinus rhythm

S/p P/T schizophrenic reaction, paranoid type

SSE soapsuds enema

SSKI saturated solution potassium iodide

SSPE subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

STAPH staphylococcal; staphylococcus

STB stillborn

STREP streptococcal; streptococcus

STS serological test for syphilis

STSG split thickness skin graft

SUBQ subcutaneous

SUD sudden unexpected death

SUDI sudden unexplained death of an infant

SUID sudden unexpected infant death

SUPC sudden unexpected postnatal collapse

SVC superior vena cava

SVD spontaneous vaginal delivery

SVT superventricular tachycardia

Sx symptoms

SY syndrome

T&A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

TAH total abdominal hysterectomy

TAL tendon achilles lengthening

TAO triacetyloleandomycin (antibiotic); thromboangiitis obliterans

TAPVR total anomalous pulmonary venous return

TAR thrombocytopenia absent radius (syndrome)

TAT tetanus anti-toxin

TB tuberculosis; tracheobronchitis

TBC, Tbc tuberculosis

TCI transient cerebral ischemia

TEF tracheoesophageal fistula

TF tetralogy of Fallot

TGV transposition great vessels

THA total hip arthroplasty

TI tricuspid insufficiency

TIA transient ischemic attack

TIE transient ischemic episode

TL tubal ligation

TM tympanic membrane

TOA tubo-ovarian abscess

TP thrombocytopenic purpura

TR tricuspid regurgitation, transfusion reaction

TSD Tay-Sachs disease

TTP thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

TUI transurethral incision

TUR transurethral resection (NOS) (prostate)

TURP transurethral resection of prostate

TVP total anomalous venous return

UC ulcerative colitis

UGI upper gastrointestinal

UL upper lobe

UNK unknown

UP ureteropelvic

UPJ ureteropelvic junction

URI upper respiratory infection

UTI urinary tract infection

VAMP vincristine, amethopterine, 6-mercaptopurine, and prednisone

VB vinblastine

VC vincristine

VD venereal disease

VDRL venereal disease research lab

VEE Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis

VF ventricular fibrillation

VH vaginal hysterectomy; viral hepatitis

VL vas ligation

VM viomycin

V&P vagotomy and pyloroplasty

VPC, VPCS ventricular premature contractions

VR valve replacement

VSD ventricular septal defect

VT ventricular tachycardia

WBC white blood cell

WC whooping cough

WE Western encephalomyelitis

W/O without

WPW Wolfe-Parkinson-White syndrome

YF yellow fever

ZE Zollinger-Ellison (syndrome)

' minute

" second(s)

< less than

> greater than

⬇ decreased

⬆ increased; elevated

c with

s without

00 secondary to

11 to

99 means unknown when reported in duration block, such as "99 years" = unknown duration

Appendix E - Synonymous Sites/Terms

When a condition of a stated anatomical site is indexed in Volume 3, code condition of stated site as indexed. If stated site is not indexed, code condition of synonymous site.

Alimentary canal Gastrointestinal tract

Body Torso, trunk

Brain Anterior fossa, basal ganglion, central nervous

system, cerebral, cerebrum, frontal, occipital,

parietal, pons, posterior fossa, prefrontal, temporal,

III and IV ventricle

NOTE: Do not use brain when ICD provides for CNS

under the reported condition.

Cardiac Heart

Chest Thorax

Geriatric Senile

Greater sac Peritoneum

Hepatic Liver

Hepatocellular Liver

Intestine Bowel, colon

Kidney Renal

Larynx Epiglottis, subglottis, supraglottis, vocal cords

Lesser sac Peritoneum

Nasopharynx, pharynx Throat

Pulmonary Lung

Right\left hemispheric Code brain

Hemispheric NOS Do not assume brain

Right\left ventricle Heart

Third\fourth ventricle Brain

LLL, LUL, RLL, RML, RUL Lobes of the lungs when reported with lobectomy,

pneumonia, etc.

Appendix F - Invalid and Substitute Codes

The following categories are invalid for underlying cause coding in the United States registration areas. Substitute code(s) for use in underlying cause coding appears to the right.

Use the substitute codes when conditions classifiable to the following codes are reported:

Invalid Codes Substitute Codes

A150-A153 A162

A154 A163

A155 A164

A156 A165

A157 A167

A158 A168

A159 A169

A160-A161 A162

B95-B97 Code the disease(s) classified

to other chapters modified by

the organism. Do not enter a

code for the organism.

F70.- F70 (3-characters only)

F71.- F71 (3-characters only)

F72.- F72 (3-characters only)

F73.- F73 (3-characters only)

F78.- F78 (3-characters only)

F79.- F79 (3-characters only)

I151-I158 R99

I23.- I21 or I22

I240 I21 or I22

I252 I258

I65-I66 I63

O08.- O00 - O07

O80.- O95

O81-O84 O759

P95 P969

R69 R95-R99

Appendix G - Codes for Special Purposes (U00-U99)

Provisional assignment of new codes (U00-U99)

1. Terrorism Classification (U01-U03)

NCHS has developed a set of new codes within the framework of the ICD that will allow the identification of deaths from terrorism reported on death certificates through the National Vital Statistics System. Terrorism-related ICD-10 codes for mortality have been assigned to the “U” category which has been designated by WHO for use by individual countries. The asterisk preceding the alphanumeric code indicates the code was introduced by the United States and is not officially part of the ICD.

To classify a death as terrorist-related, it is necessary for the incident to be designated as such by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Neither a medical examiner nor a coroner who would be completing/certifying the death certificate, nor the nosologist coding the death certificate would determine that an incident is an act of terrorism. If an incident or event is confirmed by the FBI as terrorism, it may be so described on the certificate. If the incident is confirmed as terrorism after the death certificate is completed, the certificate can be recoded at a later date.

Not to be used unless notified by NCHS

Tabular List

Assault (homicide)

*U01-*U02

*U01 Terrorism

Includes: assault-related injuries resulting from the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives

*U01.0 Terrorism involving explosion of marine weapons

Depth-charge

Marine mine

Mine NOS, at sea or in harbor

Sea-based artillery shell

Torpedo

Underwater blast

*U01.1 Terrorism involving destruction of aircraft

Includes: aircraft used as a weapon

Aircraft:

• burned

• exploded

• shot down

Crushed by falling aircraft

*U01.2 Terrorism involving other explosives and fragments

Antipersonnel bomb (fragments)

Blast NOS

Explosion (of):

• NOS

• artillery shell

• breech-block

• cannon block

• mortar bomb

• munitions being used in terrorism

• own weapons

Fragments from:

• artillery shell

• bomb

• grenade

• guided missile

• land-mine

• rocket

• shell

• shrapnel

Mine NOS

*U01.3 Terrorism involving fires, conflagration and hot substances

Asphyxia originating from fire caused directly

Burns by fire-producing device or indirectly

Other injury by any conventional weapon

Petrol bomb

Collapse of

Fall from

Falling from burning building or structure

Hit by object

Jump from

Conflagration

Fire

Melting of fittings or furniture

Smoldering

*U01.4 Terrorism involving firearms

Bullet

• carbine

• machine gun

• pistol

• rifle

• rubber (rifle)

Pellets (shotgun)

*U01.5 Terrorism involving nuclear weapons

Blast effects

Exposure to ionizing radiation from nuclear weapon

Fireball effects

Heat

Other direct and secondary effects of nuclear weapons

*U01.6 Terrorism involving biological weapons

Anthrax

Cholera

Smallpox

*U01.7 Terrorism involving chemical weapons

Gases, fumes and chemicals:

• Hydrogen cyanide

• Phosgene

• Sarin

*U01.8 Terrorism, other specified

Lasers

Battle wounds

Drowned in terrorist operations NOS

Piercing or stabbing object injuries

*U01.9 Terrorism, unspecified

*U02 Sequelae of terrorism

Intentional self-harm (suicide)

*U03

*U03 Terrorism

*U03.0 Terrorism involving explosions and fragments

Includes: destruction of aircraft used as a weapon

Aircraft:

• burned

• exploded

• shot down

Antipersonnel bomb (fragments)

Blast NOS

Explosion (of):

• NOS

• artillery shell

• breech-block

• cannon block

• mortar bomb

• munitions being used in terrorism

• own weapons

Fragments from:

• artillery shell

• bomb

• grenade

• guided missile

• land-mine

• rocket

• shell

• shrapnel

Mine NOS

*U03.9 Terrorism by other and unspecified means

SECTION II - External causes of injury

Air

- blast in terrorism U01.2

Asphyxia, asphyxiation

- by

- - chemical in terrorism U01.7

- - fumes in terrorism (chemical weapons) U01.7

- - gas (see also )

- - - in terrorism (chemical weapons) U01.7

- from

- - fire (see also Exposure, fire)

- - - in terrorism U01.3

Attack

- terrorist NEC U01.9

Bayonet wound

- in

- - terrorism U01.8

Blast (air) in terrorism U01.2

- from nuclear explosion U01.5

- underwater U01.0

Burn, burned, burning (by) (from) (on)

- chemical (external) (internal)

- - in terrorism (chemical weapons) U01.7

- in terrorism (from fire-producing device) NEC U01.3

- - nuclear explosion U01.5

- - petrol bomb U01.3

Casualty (not due to war) NEC

- terrorism U01.9

Collapse

- building

- - burning (uncontrolled fire)

- - - in terrorism U01.3

- structure

- - burning (uncontrolled fire)

- - - in terrorism U01.3

Crash

- aircraft (powered)

- - in terrorism U01.1

Crushed

- by, in

- - falling

- - - aircraft

- - - - in terrorism U01.1

Cut, cutting (any part of body) (by) (see also Contact, with, by object or machine)

- terrorism U01.8

Drowning

- in

- - terrorism U01.8

Effect(s) (adverse) of

- nuclear explosion or weapon in terrorism (blast) (direct) (fireball) (heat) (radiation)

(secondary) U01.5

Explosion (in) (of) (on) (with secondary fire)

- terrorism U01.2

Exposure to

- fire (with exposure to smoke or fumes or causing burns, or secondary explosion)

- - in, of, on, starting in

- - - terrorism (by fire-producing device) U01.3

- - - - fittings or furniture (burning building) (uncontrolled fire) U01.3

- - - - from nuclear explosion U01.5

Fall, falling

- from, off

- - building

- - - burning (uncontrolled fire)

- - - - in terrorism U01.3

- - structure NEC

- - - burning (uncontrolled fire)

- - - - in terrorism U01.3

Fireball effects from nuclear explosion in terrorism U01.5

Heat (effects of) (excessive)

- from

- - nuclear explosion in terrorism U01.5

Injury, injured NEC

- by, caused by, from

- - terrorism - see Terrorism

- due to

- - terrorism - see Terrorism

Jumped, jumping

- from

- - building (see also Jumped, from, high place)

- - - burning (uncontrolled fire)

- - - - in terrorism U01.3

- - structure (see also Jumped, from, high place)

- - - burning (uncontrolled fire)

- - - - in terrorism U01.3

Poisoning (by) (see also )

- in terrorism (chemical weapons) U01.7

Radiation (exposure to)

- in

- - terrorism (from or following nuclear explosion) (direct) (secondary) U01.5

- - - laser(s) U01.8

- laser(s)

- - in terrorism U01.8

Sequelae (of)

- in terrorism U02

Shooting, shot (see also Discharge, by type of firearm)

- in terrorism U01.4

Struck by

- bullet (see also Discharge, by type of firearm)

- - in terrorism U01.4

- missile

- - in terrorism - see Terrorism, missile

- object

- - falling

- - - from, in, on

- - - - building

- - - - - burning (uncontrolled fire)

- - - - - - in terrorism U01.3

Suicide, suicidal (attempted) (by)

- explosive(s) (material)

- - in terrorism U03.0

- in terrorism U03.9

Terrorism (by) (in) (injury) (involving) U01.9

- air blast U01.2

- aircraft burned, destroyed, exploded, shot down U01.1

- - used as a weapon U01.1

- anthrax U01.6

- asphyxia from

- - chemical (weapons) U01.7

- - fire, conflagration (caused by fire-producing device) U01.3

- - - from nuclear explosion U01.5

- - gas or fumes U01.7

- bayonet U01.8

- biological agents (weapons) U01.6

- blast (air) (effects) U01.2

- - from nuclear explosion U01.5

- - underwater U01.0

- bomb (antipersonnel) (mortar) (explosion) (fragments) U01.2

- - petrol U01.3

- bullet(s) (from carbine, machine gun, pistol, rifle, rubber (rifle), shotgun) U01.4

- burn from

- - chemical U01.7

- - fire, conflagration (caused by fire-producing device) U01.3

- - - from nuclear explosion U01.5

- - gas U01.7

- burning aircraft U01.1

- chemical (weapons) U01.7

- cholera U01.6

- conflagration U01.3

- crushed by falling aircraft U01.1

- depth-charge U01.0

- destruction of aircraft U01.1

- disability as sequelae one year or more after injury U02

- drowning U01.8

- effect (direct) (secondary) of nuclear weapon U01.5

- - sequelae U02

- explosion (artillery shell) (breech-block) (cannon block) U01.2

- - aircraft U01.1

- - bomb (antipersonnel) (mortar) U01.2

- - - nuclear (atom) (hydrogen) U01.5

- - depth-charge U01.0

- - grenade U01.2

- - injury by fragments (from) U01.2

- - land-mine U01.2

- - marine weapon(s) U01.0

- - mine (land) U01.2

- - - at sea or in harbor U01.0

- - - marine U01.0

- - missile (explosive) (guided) NEC U01.2

- - munitions (dump) (factory) U01.2

- - nuclear (weapon) U01.5

- - other direct and secondary effects of U01.5

- - own weapons U01.2

- - sea-based artillery shell U01.0

- - torpedo U01.0

- exposure to ionizing radiation from nuclear explosion U01.5

- falling aircraft U01.1

- fire or fire-producing device U01.3

- firearms U01.4

- fireball effects from nuclear explosion U01.5

- fragments from artillery shell, bomb NEC, grenade, guided missile, land-mine, rocket,

shell, shrapnel U01.2

- gas or fumes U01.7

- grenade (explosion) (fragments) U01.2

- guided missile (explosion) (fragments) U01.2

- - nuclear U01.5

- heat from nuclear explosion U01.5

- hot substances U01.3

- hydrogen cyanide U01.7

- land-mine (explosion) (fragments) U01.2

- laser(s) U01.8

- late effect (of) U02

- lewisite U01.7

- lung irritant (chemical) (fumes) (gas) U01.7

- marine mine U01.0

- mine U01.2

- - at sea U01.0

- - in harbor U01.0

- - land (explosion) (fragments) U01.2

- - marine U01.0

- missile (explosion) (fragments) (guided) U01.2

- - marine U01.0

- - nuclear U01.5

- mortar bomb (explosion) (fragments) U01.2

- mustard gas U01.7

- nerve gas U01.7

- nuclear weapons U01.5

- pellets (shotgun) U01.4

- petrol bomb U01.3

- piercing object U01.8

- phosgene U01.7

- poisoning (chemical) (fumes) (gas) U01.7

- radiation, ionizing from nuclear explosion U01.5

- rocket (explosion) (fragments) U01.2

- saber, sabre U01.8

- sarin U01.7

- screening smoke U01.7

- sequelae effect (of) U02

- shell (aircraft) (artillery) (cannon) (land-based) (explosion) (fragments) U01.2

- - sea-based U01.0

- shooting U01.4

- - bullet(s) U01.4

- - pellet(s) (rifle) (shotgun) U01.4

- shrapnel U01.2

- smallpox U01.6

- stabbing object(s) U01.8

- submersion U01.8

- torpedo U01.0

- underwater blast U01.0

- vesicant (chemical) (fumes) (gas) U01.7

- weapon burst U01.2

Date of death 9/11/2001

I (a) Burns T300

(b) Terrorist attack on the Pentagon U011

Homicide

The Pentagon

Date of injury 9/11/2001

Code as terrorism involving destruction of aircraft. The FBI declared the Pentagon incident an act of terrorism.

Date of death 9/11/2001

I (a) Chest trauma S299

(b)

II World Trade Center Disaster U011

Homicide

World Trade Center

Date of injury 9/11/2001

Code as terrorism involving destruction of aircraft. The FBI declared the World Trade Center incident an act of terrorism.

Date of death 11/1/2017

I (a) Metastatic lung Cancer caused by 9/11: terrorist attack C349

(b) First responder at World Trade Center T941 U02

Natural

Code as sequela of terrorism. The FBI declared the 9/11 World Trade Center incident an act of terrorism.

2. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome [SARS] (U04)

Tabular List

U04 Severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS]

U04.9 Severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], unspecified

SECTION I - Alphabetical index to diseases and nature of injury

Syndrome

- respiratory

- - severe acute U04.9

- severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) U04.9

3. Vaping-related disorder (U07.0)

Tabular List

U07 Codes for emergency use

U07.0 Vaping-related disorder

SECTION I - Alphabetical index to diseases and nature of injury

Damage

- lung

- - dabbing related U07.0

- - electronic cigarette related U07.0

Disorder

- dabbing related U07.0

- electronic cigarette related U07.0

EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping, product use associated lung injury) U07.0

Injury

- lung

- - dabbing related U07.0

- - electronic cigarette related U07.0

4. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) 2019 (U07.1)

Tabular List

U07 Codes for emergency use

U07.1 COVID-19

Excludes: Coronavirus infection, unspecified site (B34.2)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], unspecified (U04.9)

SECTION I - Alphabetical index to diseases and nature of injury

Coronavirus Disease 2019 U07.1

COVID U07.1

COVID-19 U07.1

Disease

- Coronavirus 2019 U07.1

Infection

- Coronavirus NEC

- - 2019 novel U07.1

- - severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) U04.9

- - unspecified site B34.2

- - when referring to COVID-19 U07.1

SARS-CoV-2 U07.1

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2019 U07.1

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 U07.1

Sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 U07.1

2019-nCoV U07.1

2019 novel coronavirus U07.1

Ia) Acute respiratory distress syndrome J80

b) Pneumonia J189

c) COVID U071

Code the COVID to U071.

Ia) Acute hypoxic respiratory failure J960

b) Pneumonia with coronavirus disease 2019 J189 U071

II Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease J449

Code coronavirus disease 2019 to U071.

5. Post COVID-19 condition (U09.9)

Tabular List

U09 Post COVID-19 condition

U09.9 Post COVID-19 condition, unspecified

NOTE: This optional code serves to allow the establishment of a link with COVID-19.

This code is not to be used in cases that still are presenting COVID-19.

This code is valid for multiple cause coding but is not to be used for underlying cause of death. If U099 should become the temporary underlying cause after applying the mortality coding instructions, code UC to COVID-19 U071.

SECTION I - Alphabetical index to diseases and nature of injury

COVID-19 U07.1

- after effect U09.9

- cleared U09.9

- cured U09.9

- long U09.9

- long COVID syndrome U09.9

- long haul U09.9

- long hauler U09.9

- long-term U09.9

- long-term effects U09.9

- PASC U09.9

- past U09.9

- past COVID syndrome U09.9

- post U09.9

- post-acute U09.9

- post-acute-SARS-CoV-2 U09.9

- post-acute sequela (PASC) U09.9

- post acute syndrome U09.9

- post COVID condition U09.9

- post COVID syndrome U09.9

- previous U09.9

- prior U09.9

- recovered U09.9

- resolved U09.9

Ia) Acute renal failure N179

b) Post COVID U099

Code to COVID-19 (U071). Post COVID selected by General Principle is assigned to U099 which is invalid for Underlying Cause and U071 assigned.

Ia) Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure J960

b) Urinary tract infection N390

c) GI Bleed K922

II Patient recovered from COVID-19 U099

Code to COVID-19 (U071). GI Bleed is selected by General Principle and is a DS to U099. U099 is invalid for Underlying Cause and U071 assigned.

Appendix H - List of conditions that can cause diabetes

Acceptable sequences for diabetes "due to" other diseases

Type of Diabetes Due to

E10 B25.2

E40-E46

E63.9

E64.0

E64.9

M35.9

P35.0

E11 E24

E40-E46

E63.9

E64.0

E64.9

M35.9

O24.4

P35.0

E12 E40-E46

E63.9

E64.0

E64.9

E13 B25.2

B26.3

C25

C78.8 (pancreas only)

D13.6-D13.7

D35.0

E05-E06

E22.0

E24

E80.0-E80.2

E83.1

E84

E89.1

F10.1-F10.2

G10

G11.1

G25.8

G71.1

K85

K86.0-K86.1

K86.8-K86.9

M35.9

O24.4

P35.0

Q87.1

Q90

Q96

Q98

Q99.8

S36.2

T37.3

T37.5

T38.0-T38.1

T42.0

T46.5

T46.7

T50.2

Y41.3

Y41.5

Y42.0-Y42.1

Y46.2

Y52.5

Y52.7

Y54.3

E14 B25.2

B26.3

C25

C78.8 (pancreas only)

D13.6-D13.7

D35.0

E05-E06

E22.0

E24

E40-E46

E63.9

E64.0

E64.9

E80.0-E80.2

E83.1

E84

E89.1

F10.1-F10.2

G10

G11.1

G25.8

G71.1

K85

K86.0-K86.1

K86.8-K86.9

M35.9

O24.4

P35.0

Q87.1

Q90

Q96

Q98

Q99.8

S36.2

T37.3

T37.5

T38.0-T38.1

T42.0

T46.5

T46.7

T50.2

Y41.3

Y41.5

Y42.0-Y42.1

Y46.2

Y52.5

Y52.7

Y54.3

Appendix I - Guidance in Certain External Categories

1. General Guidelines in coding Legal Intervention (Y35)

There are very few guidelines offered in the Classification for addressing Legal Interventions and it can be very difficult to determine when these categories are appropriate. To aid in classifying these types of records, apply the general interpretations below:

General Guidelines

- When alcohol or drug poisoning is reported in addition to a legal intervention event, do not apply the legal intervention concept to the poisoning; code according to the usual guidelines

NOTE: If the Manner of Death is marked Homicide, disregard and code poisoning as Accidental.

- When a police chase results in death to the person(s) being chased, code as a legal intervention death; when a police chase results in death to an innocent bystander, do not apply the legal intervention concept to the bystander

- When a decedent kills themselves and police are mentioned on the record, do not apply the legal intervention concept; code according to the usual guidelines.

- When a ‘suicide by cop’ is reported, code as a legal intervention death according to the circumstances described

I (a) Gunshot wounds to chest S219 Y350

(b) Massive trauma to internal organs T148

(c)

II Lethal dose of methamphetamine T436 X41

Homicide

Justifiable homicide by law enforcement

Code to Y350, Legal intervention involving firearm discharge.

I (a) Asphyxia due to drowning T751 Y356

(b) T751

(c)

II T751

Accident

Drowning in river while fleeing police

Code to Y356, Legal intervention involving other specified means.

I (a) Contact gunshot wound to chest S219 X72

(b)

(c)

II T141

Suicide

Shot self with handgun during police standoff

Code to X72, Intentional self-harm by handgun discharge.

2. Restraint

Restraint can be seen reported in conjunction with drug intoxication or a mental health crisis. When reported as a means of limiting another’s physical movement, code restraint only when reported with a resulting injury such as asphyxia, suffocation, etc.

When Is reported on the Code

record with

A threat to breathing

term such as: restraint the asphyxia, strangulation, suffocation

asphyxia T71 followed by the appropriate external

strangulation cause code for the restraint

suffocation

I (a) Restraint asphyxia with methamphetamine intoxication T71 X58 T436 X41

(b)

(c)

II T71 T436

Accident

Asphyxiated after being restrained while intoxicated on methamphetamine

Code to X58, Exposure to other specified factors.

I (a) Cardiac arrhythmia during police restraint I499

(b) Heart enlargement from hypertension

(d) and schizophrenia I10

(e) F102 F141 F209

II T149 Y356

Homicide

Altercation with police

Code to F102, Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol. Restraint is not coded since there is no resulting injury.

When Is reported on the Code

record with

T17 plus appropriate fourth character.

aspiration NOS restraint Also, code the appropriate W78, W79,

W80 if not previously coded

e-code for restraint where reported

aspiration of substances

or objects

I (a) Aspiration of vomitus during prone restraint T179 W78

(b) Methamphetamine intoxication Y356

Homicide

Arrested and taken to jail. Restrained by law enforcement officers in jail.

Code to Y356, Legal intervention involving other specified means.

I (a) Sudden cardiac death while being restrained I461

(b) during struggle

(c)

II Mixed drug intoxication; epilepsy; obesity T509 X85 G409 E669 R55 R451

Homicide

Collapsed after agitated behavior while being controlled by restraint protocol

Code to X85, Assault by drugs, medicaments and biological substances. Restraint is not coded since there is no resulting injury.

Appendix J - COVID-19 Decision Tables

Table D

CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP:GENERAL PRINCIPLE AND RULES 1 AND 2

A040 - A050 Address

U071

U099

A052 - A099 Address

U071

U099

A240 - A269 Address

U071

U099

A280 - A289 Address

U071

U099

A310 - A329 Address

U071

U099

A400 - A699 Address

U071

U099

A740 - A749 Address

U071

U099

A812 - A819 Address

U071

U099

A870 - A89 Address

U071

U099

A930 - A94 Address

U071

U099

A968 - A969 Address

U071

U099

A99 - B029 Address

U071

U099

B07 - B159 Address

U071

U099

B172 - B178 Address

U071

U099

B188 - B199 Address

U071

U099

B250 - B259 Address

U071

U099

B270 - B49 Address

U071

U099

B580 - B89 Address

U071

U099

B948 - B949 Address

U071

U099

B99 Address

U071

U099

D500 - D65 Address

U071

U099

D683 - D899 Address

U071

U099

E15 Address

U071

U099

E161 - E162 Address

U071

U099

E200 - E649 Address

U071

U099

E750 - E753 Address

U071

U099

E755 - E756 Address

U071

U099

E769 - E790 Address

U071

U099

E830 - E839 Address

U071

U099

E853 - E882 Address

U071

U099

E888 - E889 Address

U071

U099

F010 - G969 Address

U071

U099

G98 Address

U071

U099

H000 - H579 Address

U071

U099

H600 - H939 Address

U071

U099

I200 - I249 Address

U071

U099

I258 Address

U071

U099

I260 - I698 Address

U071

U099

I710 - I959 Address

U071

U099

I99 - J069 Address

U071

U099

J120 - J949 Address

U071

U099

J960 - K909 Address

U071

U099

K920 - M959 Address

U071

U099

M990 - N989 Address

U071

U099

P000 - P969 Address

U071

U099

R000 - R749 Address

U071

U099

R760 - R99 Address

U071

U099

U070 Address

U071

U099

U071 Address

U071

U099 Address

U099

W78 - W84 Address

U071

U099

Table E

MODIFICATION: SELECTION RULE 3, MODIFICATION RULES A, C, AND D

A083 - A085 Address

DS U071

DS U099

A327 Address

DS U071

DS U099

A400 - A419 Address

DS U071

DS U099

A427 Address

DS U071

DS U099

B007 Address

DS U071

DS U099

B342 Address

SMP U071

SMP U099

B349 Address

SMP U071

SMP U099

B377 Address

DS U071

DS U099

G039 Address

DS U071

DS U099

G048 - G049 Address

DS U071

DS U099

G319 Address

DS U071

DS U099

G931 - G932 Address

DS U071

DS U099

G934 Address

DS U071

DS U099

G935 - G936 Address

DS U071

DS U099

G938 Address

DS U071

DS U099

H660 Address

DS U071

DS U099

H669 Address

DS U071

DS U099

I260 - I269 Address

DS U071

DS U099

I409 Address

DS U071

DS U099

I514 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J110 - J118 Address

SMP U071

SMP U099

J120 - J168 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J180 - J189 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J22 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J320 - J329 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J690 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J698 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J80 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J81 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J849 Address

DS U071

DS U099

J984 Address

DS U071

DS U099

K290 - K291 Address

DS U071

DS U099

K296 - K299 Address

DS U071

DS U099

K529 Address

DS U071

DS U099

K920 - K922 Address

DS U071

DS U099

L890 - L899 Address

DS U071

DS U099

N300 - N303 Address

DS U071

DS U099

N308 - N309 Address

DS U071

DS U099

R042 - R048 Address

DS U071

DS U099

R05 Address

DS U071

DS U099

R11 Address

DS U071

DS U099

R291 Address

DS U071

DS U099

W78 - W80 Address

DS U071

DS U099

W84 Address

DS U071

DS U099

________________________

ⁱ Similar terms include modifiers such as many, numerous, recurrent, repeated, serial, series, or several.

Instructions for Classifying the Underlying Cause-of-Death, ICD-10, 2025

SECTION I - INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLASSIFYING THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF DEATH, 2025

A. INTRODUCTION

B. MEDICAL CERTIFICATION

Excerpt from U.S. STANDARD CERTIFICATE OF DEATH (REV 11/2003)

C. DEFINITIONS

D. CREATED CODES

SECTION II - PROCEDURES FOR SELECTION OF THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR MORTALITY TABULATION

Rules for selection of the originating antecedent cause

General Principle

Rule 1. Reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate

Rule 2. No reported sequence terminating in the condition first entered on the certificate

Rule 3. Direct sequel

Assumed direct consequences of another condition

Interpretations and examples

Complications of surgery

Modification of the selected cause

The modification rules

Rule A. Senility and other ill-defined conditions

Rule B. Trivial conditions

Rule C. Linkage

Situation 1: One linkage on the record

Situation 2: Two or more concurrent linkages (conflict in linkage)

Situation 3: Further linkage

Rule D. Specificity

Conflict in Specificity

Rule E. Early and late stages of disease

Rule F. Sequela

B90.- Sequela of tuberculosis

B91- Sequela of acute poliomyelitis

B92 Sequela of leprosy

B94.0 Sequela of trachoma

B94.1 Sequela of viral encephalitis

B94.2 Sequela of viral hepatitis

B94.8 Sequela of other specified infectious and parasitic diseases

B94.9 Sequela of unspecified infectious and parasitic diseases

E640-E649 Sequela of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies

E68 Sequela of hyperalimentation

G09 Sequela of inflammatory diseases of central nervous system

I690-I698 Sequela of cerebrovascular disease

O970-O979 Sequela of obstetric cause

Y85-Y89 Sequela of external causes of morbidity and mortality

Application of Rule 3 following modification

SECTION III - EDITING AND INTERPRETING ENTRIES IN THE MEDICAL CERTIFICATION

A. Guides for the determination of the probability of sequence

B. Diagnostic entities

C. Adjective reported at the end of a diagnostic entity

D. Adjectival modifier reported with multiple conditions

E. Parenthetical entries

F. Plural form of disease

G. Implied disease

H. Relating and modifying

I. Coding conditions classified to injuries as disease conditions

J. Intent of certifier

1. Other and unspecified gastroenteritis and colitis of unspecified origin (A099)

2. Cavitation of lung (A162)

3. Spinal Abscess (A180)

4. Charcot Arthropathy (A521)

5. General Paresis (A521)

6. Viral Hepatitis (B161, B169, B171-B179)

7. Organisms and Infections NOS (B99)

8. Eaton-Lambert syndrome (C80)

9. Erythremia (C940)

10. Polycythemia (D45)

11. Hemolytic Anemia (D589)

12. Sideroblastic Anemia (D643)

13. Hemorrhagic Purpura NOS (D693)

14. Thrombocytopenia (D696)

15. Hyperparathyroidism (E213)

16. Korsakov Disease, Psychosis or Syndrome (F106)

17. Psychosis (any F29)

18. Mental Disorder (any F99)

19. Parkinson Disease (G20) Advanced Parkinson Disease (G2000) Grave Parkinson Disease (G2000) Severe Parkinson Disease (G2000)

20. Cerebral Sclerosis (G379)

21. Myopathy (G729)

22. Paralysis (any G81, G82, or G83 excluding senile paralysis)

23. Varices NOS and Bleeding Varices NOS (I839)

24. Pneumoconiosis (J64)

25. Diaphragmatic Hernia in K44.-

26. Laennec Cirrhosis NOS (K703)

19. Parkinson Disease (G20)
Advanced Parkinson Disease (G2000)
Grave Parkinson Disease (G2000)
Severe Parkinson Disease (G2000)