NDX indicates the total number of ICD-9-CM diagnoses (valid and invalid) coded on the discharge record. In assigning NDX, the first listed diagnosis is included in the count, even if it is blank, so long as there is a secondary diagnosis present (see table below).
For data beginning in the fourth quarter of 2015, the count of the number of diagnoses is stored in the data element I10_NDX to indicate the implementation of the ICD-10-CM/PCS coding system.
Value
|
Description
|
0 |
No diagnoses are coded on the record |
1 |
Only the first listed diagnosis (DX1) is coded. All secondary diagnoses are blank. |
2 |
One secondary diagnosis (DX2) is coded. The first listed diagnosis (DX1) may be coded or blank. |
3 |
The second and third diagnoses (DX2 and DX3) are coded. The first listed diagnosis (DX1) may be coded or blank. |
|