Discuss the significance of the 5th digit in ICD 9 CM Coding.

ICD-9-CM codes are 3 5 digit numeric and alphanumeric codes. These codes are used to describe diseases, conditions, symptoms, and other reasons for seeking healthcare services. Some codes are modified for special use in the DoD. The first three digits usually represent a single disease entity, or a group of similar or closely related conditions. The fourth digit subcategory provides more specificity or information regarding the etiology, site, or manifestation. In some cases, fourth-digit subcategories have been expanded to the fifth-digit level to provide even greater specificity. The ICD-9-CM uses a fifth digit to further clarify a diagnosis code. The fifth digit tells more about the diagnosis, whether it is controlled or uncontrolled, or not otherwise specified. It may reference a particular body part or multiple body parts. The ICD-9-CM requires you to use the fifth digit code if it is available, so to have the best possible code for the diagnosis.