Root operations
ICD-10-PCS definitions A.5
Preliminary
12/10/07
Examples Spinal cordotomy, osteotomy
Drainage Definition Taking or letting out fluids and/or gases from a body part
Explanation The qualifier DIAGNOSTIC is used to identify drainage procedures that are biopsies.
Examples Thoracentesis, incision and drainage
Excision Definition Cutting out or off, without replacement, a portion of a body part
Explanation The qualifier DIAGNOSTIC is used to identify excision procedures that are biopsies.
Examples Partial nephrectomy, liver biopsy
Extirpation Definition Taking or cutting out solid matter from a body part
Explanation The solid matter may be an abnormal byproduct of a biological function or a
foreign body. The solid matter is imbedded in a body part, or is in the lumen of a
tubular body part. The solid matter may or may not have been previously broken
into pieces. No appreciable amount of the body part is taken out.
Examples Thrombectomy, choledocholithotomy
Extraction Definition Pulling or stripping out or off all or a portion of a body part
Explanation The body part is pulled or stripped from its location by the use of force (e.g.,
manual, suction). The qualifier D
IAGNOSTIC is used to identify extraction
procedures that are biopsies.
Examples Dilation and curettage, vein stripping
Fragmentation Definition Breaking solid matter in a body part into pieces
Explanation The solid matter may be an abnormal byproduct of a biological function or a
foreign body. Physical force (e.g., manual, ultrasonic) applied directly or indirectly
through intervening body parts is used to break the solid matter into pieces. The
pieces of solid matter are not taken out, but are eliminated or absorbed through
normal biological functions.
Examples Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, transurethral lithotripsy
Fusion Definition Joining together portions of an articular body part rendering the articular body
part immobile
Explanation The body part is joined together by fixation device, bone graft, or other means.
Examples Spinal fusion, ankle arthrodesis
Insertion Definition Putting in a non-biological device that monitors, assists, performs or prevents a
physiological function but does not physically take the place of a body part
Explanation N/A
Examples Insertion of radioactive implant, insertion of central venous catheter
Inspection Definition Visually and/or manually exploring a body part
Explanation Visual exploration may be performed with or without optical instrumentation.
Manual exploration may be performed directly or through intervening body layers.
Examples Diagnostic arthroscopy, exploratory laparotomy
Map Definition Locating the route of passage of electrical impulses and/or locating functional
areas in a body part
Explanation Applicable only to the cardiac conduction mechanism and the central nervous
system
Examples Cardiac mapping, cortical mapping
Occlusion Definition Completely closing an orifice or the lumen of a tubular body part