2-10. ABBREVIATIONS
a. Not elsewhere classifiable (NEC). Added after terms classified in
unspecified categories and to terms in themselves ill-defined. The category number for
the term including NEC is to be used only when the coder lacks the information
necessary to code the term to a more specific category. If the medical record includes
more precise information, the coding should be modified accordingly. NEC is used in
the Alphabetical Indexes Volume 2 and Volume 3.
EXAMPLES: Aborter, habitual or recurrent NEC
without current pregnancy 629.9
current abortion (See also Abortion,
spontaneous) 634.9
affecting fetus or newborn 761.8
observation in current pregnance 646.3
Lavage
antral 22.00
bronchus NEC 96.56
endotracheal 96.56
gastric 96.33
b. Not otherwise specified (NOS). Is equivalent to "unspecified." NOS is used
in the Tabular Lists (Volume 1 and Volume 3).
EXAMPLES: 250.0 Diabetes mellitus without mention of
complication
Diabetes mellitus without mention of
complication or manifestation
classifiable to 250.1-250.9
Diabetes (mellitus) NOS
16.49 Other enucleation of eyeball
Removal of eyeball NOS
2-11. SYMBOLS
a. Lozenge ( ). Found only in Diseases Tabular List (Volume 1). The
lozenge is printed in the left margin preceding the disease code. It denotes a four-digit
rubric (title) unique to ICD-9-CM. The lozenge has no effe ct on coding , it is used for
comparison studies with ICD-9.
EXAMPLE: 250.2 Diabetes with hyperosmolar coma
Hyperosmolar ( nonketotic) coma
MD0753
2-10