How many digits are typically found in an ICD-10-CM code?

An ICD-10-CM code typically consists of 3 to 7 characters, which may include both letters and numbers. The first character is always a letter, and it is followed by up to 6 additional characters that can be numbers or letters, indicating various levels of detail regarding the diagnosis.

This structure allows for a comprehensive classification system that can effectively capture the complexity of medical conditions. The initial three characters specify the category of the diagnosis, while the subsequent characters provide more specificity about the condition, such as laterality, severity, or other clinical details.

The other options do not accurately reflect the length of ICD-10-CM codes, as they either fall short or exceed the actual range used in practice. Thus, understanding the structure and character count is crucial for correct coding and ensuring that medical records accurately represent diagnoses.