a. The Tabular List. The structure of classification is based on anatomy rather
than surgical specialty (see figure 2 -4). There are 16 chapters in the Tabular List. The
first 15 chapters refer to the anatomical systems, whereas chapter 16 refers to
miscellaneous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
(1) The procedure code is based on a two-digit section code with two decimal
digits where necessary (the Army disregards the decimal). The two-digit section code
provides a heading by site and general description of the procedure. The three-digit
category code specifies the procedure. The four-digit subcategory code provides
greater specificity in identifying anatomical sites and defining selected procedures,
techniques, or the surgical approach.
(2) All surgical or procedure codes will contain three or four-digits. Do not
zero-fill to the right for three-digit codes.
EXAMPLE:
30 Excision of larynx
30.0
Excision or destruction of lesion or tissue
of larynx
30.01
Marsupialization of laryngeal cyst
30.09
Other excision or destruction of
lesion or tissue of larynx
Stripping of vocal cords
Excludes
biopsy of larynx (31.43)
laryngeal
fistulectomy (31.62)
laryngotracheal
fistulectomy (31.62)
b. The Alphabetic Index to Procedures. This index follows the same basic
format as Volume 2.
MD0753
2-20