Release guide
2027 ICD-10-CM: your guide to the October release
When FY2027 ICD-10-CM takes effect, which official files to check, and how to prepare your code lookup workflow for the October 2026 release.
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View all articlesCoding essentials
How to use the ICD-10-CM index and Tabular List together
A practical ICD-10-CM lookup workflow: find a documented term, follow index instructions, then verify the full code and inherited notes in the Tabular List.
Coding essentials
Excludes1 vs Excludes2: how to read the difference
Understand Excludes1 and Excludes2 notes, the unrelated-condition exception, and why instructions on parent categories matter during ICD-10-CM lookup.
Code spotlight
M54.50: a careful lookup for low back pain
Explore M54.50, low back pain unspecified, alongside M54.51 and M54.59. Review the official titles, category notes and documentation before code selection.
Coding essentials
Billable, specific and unspecified: what code labels mean
Why a billable ICD-10-CM label does not guarantee payment, how categories differ from complete codes, and when unspecified codes have a role.
Coding essentials
ICD-10-CM seventh characters and placeholder X, explained
Learn why some ICD-10-CM codes need a seventh character, how placeholder X preserves its position, and why initial encounter does not mean first visit.