[Procedure Coding System: background and development].

Abstract

In the USA, the ICD-10 Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) was developed because the current system ICD-9-CM Vol. 3 did not allow new technologies to be incorporated as new codes. PCS is a seven-digit muliaxial coding system which covers a broad spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Its structure is easily understood and guarantees sufficient expandibility. Background and structure of PCS are presented with examples from surgical sections and discussed in comparison with ICPM.