ICD-9-CM Codes: Are All Listed Diseases Rare? - Rare Disease

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Questions regarding ICD-9-CM codes?


Hello Dr.
Jian, I would like to ask if all diseases with an ICD-9-CM code are considered rare diseases? Additionally, I cannot find the code for the rare disease I am looking for.
Can I privately provide you with the code to inquire about relevant information regarding that disease? If you are not an expert on this issue, could you please help me consult with a related physician?

cTsk, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/04

Dr. Jian Yingxiu reply Rare Disease


Not all diseases with ICD-9 CM codes are considered rare diseases.
According to the Rare Disease Act, a disease may be classified as rare if its incidence is less than 1 in 10,000, and it must be confirmed by a committee.

Reply Date: 2005/04/04

More Info


The ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification) coding system is a standardized method used to classify and code diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures. It is important to clarify that not all diseases listed under ICD-9-CM codes are considered rare diseases. In fact, the classification of a disease as "rare" is based on specific criteria that differ from the mere existence of an ICD-9-CM code.

According to the Rare Diseases Act, a disease is typically classified as rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States. This means that while many diseases have an ICD-9-CM code, only a subset of these diseases meets the criteria to be classified as rare. The presence of an ICD-9-CM code simply indicates that the disease is recognized and can be documented for billing and statistical purposes, but it does not inherently imply that the disease is rare.

If you are searching for information on a specific rare disease and cannot find the corresponding ICD-9-CM code, it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in that area. They can provide you with more detailed information about the disease, its diagnosis, and treatment options. Additionally, they may be able to guide you to resources or databases that focus specifically on rare diseases.

It is also worth noting that the ICD-9-CM system has been largely replaced by ICD-10-CM, which offers a more comprehensive and detailed classification of diseases. If you are looking for information on a rare disease, it may be beneficial to refer to the ICD-10-CM codes, as they provide more specificity and may include newly recognized conditions that were not coded in the ICD-9-CM system.

In summary, while all diseases with an ICD-9-CM code are recognized in the medical community, not all of them are classified as rare diseases. If you have a specific disease in mind, reaching out to a healthcare provider for clarification and guidance is the best course of action. They can help you navigate the complexities of disease classification and provide you with the most accurate and relevant information.

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