One of the main differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10 is in the
number of codes. ICD-9 has approximately 14000 diagnosis codes
whereas ICD-10 has 68000. ICD-9 has 4000 procedural codes and
ICD-10 has almost 72000. The nomenclature for these codes has also
been modified in ICD-10. ICD-9 only had numeric code names, but
ICD-10 will have alphanumeric code names. This naming convention
will hopefully simplify matters by providing more accurate data for
claim processing, clinical documentation, and research. ICD-10,
which will be implemented in October will require coders to undergo
training to familiarize themselves with the new coding practices.
Several institutes, such as CareerStep offer training to students
and professional coders who wish to upgrade their skill set to the
new ICD-10-CM set of codes.