Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant ICD-10 PCS Query.

The complex and highly specific nature of ICD-10-PCS has changed the query process for inpatient procedures. Each code is constructed using individual characters that identify all aspects of the procedure. Assigning the correct ICD-10-PCS code requires precise and complete documentation. Incomplete and non-specific documentation may result in the inability to assign a code. Unlike ICD-9-CM procedure codes, ICD-10-PCS does not have an unspecified code option. Documentation describing a procedure must support the assignment of each character composing the applicable seven-character PCS code. A PCS code is not complete without all seven characters specified.