What level of code do three-character ICD-10-CM codes represent?

Three-character ICD-10-CM codes represent the category level of coding. In the ICD-10-CM classification system, the first three characters of a code provide a general description of a disease or health condition, which is organized into categories. Each category encompasses a group of related conditions, which are further defined by additional characters that specify the condition more precisely.

Since the three-character code encompasses a broader classification of diagnoses, it serves as the foundation for the more specific codes that follow. This hierarchical structure allows for a systematic approach to coding, ensuring that healthcare providers can accurately document patient information and facilitate effective communication across medical records and billing processes.