How do parentheses affect ICD-10-CM coding?

In ICD-10-CM coding, parentheses are used to enclose supplementary words or phrases that provide additional information about the condition but are not essential to the code's main meaning. This means that any terms or phrases within parentheses can be omitted without changing the fundamental definition of the diagnosis or the assigned code. Therefore, they indicate optional codes.

For instance, when coding a particular condition, the core elements of the code provide a clear representation of the diagnosis, while any additional descriptions or clarifications included in parentheses serve merely as extra details to enhance the understanding of the condition without altering the fundamental meaning of the code itself. This capability allows coders flexibility in their coding choices, ensuring that they can correctly interpret the diagnosis while focusing on the critical components for accurate code assignment.