Medical and Surgical Terms

Get definitions for terms found in the Medical and Surgical section used in ICD-10-PCS procedure codes. These definitions may also provide additional explanation or examples in their use.

The Medical and Surgical section codes represent the vast majority of procedures reported in an inpatient setting. Medical and surgical procedure codes have a first character value of "0". The 2nd character indicates the general body system (e.g., gastrointestinal).

The first through fifth characters are always assigned a specific value, but the device (6^th character) and the qualifier (7^th character) are not applicable to all procedures.

Select the desired option to view terms:

Medical and Surgical

Operation
Body Part
Approach
Device

Terms to Approach

External: Procedures performed directly on the skin or mucous membrane and procedures performed indirectly by the application of external force through the skin or mucous membrane
Open: Cutting through the skin or mucous membrane and any other body layers necessary to expose the site of the procedure
Percutaneous: Entry, by puncture or minor incision, of instrumentation through the skin or mucous membrane and any other body layers necessary to reach the site of the procedure
Percutaneous Endoscopic: Entry, by puncture or minor incision, of instrumentation through the skin or mucous membrane and any other body layers necessary to reach and visualize the site of the procedure
Via Natural or Artificial Opening: Entry of instrumentation through a natural or artificial external opening to reach the site of the procedure
Via Natural or Artificial Opening Endoscopic: Entry of instrumentation through a natural or artificial external opening to reach and visualize the site of the procedure
Via Natural or Artificial Opening With Percutaneous Endoscopic Assistance: Entry of instrumentation through a natural or artificial external opening and entry, by puncture or minor incision, of instrumentation through the skin or mucous membrane and any other body layers necessary to aid in the performance of the procedure