We're still operating under ICD-9-CM which doesn't have a code for myalgic encephalomyelitis.
ICD-9-CM (U.S.)
At present, the U.S. still uses its modification of WHO's ICD 9th revision, the ICD-9-CM. Chronic fatigue syndrome is classified under "Symptoms, Signs and Ill-Defined Conditions," code 780.71, under the sub-heading of "General Symptoms." As the Definitions and Research pages of this website demonstrate, M.E. is a clearly defined clinical entity that was coded in the ICD-9 as 323.9 under "6. Diseases of the Nervous System and Sense Organs(320-389); Inflammatory Diseases of the Central Nervous System(320-326)." However, the U.S. modification of the ICD-9 (ICD-9-CM) tabular document revised 323.9 to "Unspecified cause of encephalitis, myelitis, and encephalomyelitis" but still lists in the ICD-9-CM Index: "Encephalomyelitis (chronic) (granulomatous) (hemorrhagic necrotizing, acute) (myalgic, benign) (see also Encephalitis) 323.9." This is the diagnostic code we recommend doctors use when a patient fits the distinct M.E. definitions, according the the Consensus Document, Ramsay, Dowsett et al definitions, and Hyde descripton. According to a CDC ICD coding representative (July 2006), "M.E. has always been indexed to code 323.9. That is the code number that patients should be assigned." Correctly diagnosing this disease benefits patients and health care providers by acknowledging the true prevalence of ME in the U.S.
At present, the U.S. still uses its modification of WHO's ICD 9th revision, the ICD-9-CM. Chronic fatigue syndrome is classified under "Symptoms, Signs and Ill-Defined Conditions," code 780.71, under the sub-heading of "General Symptoms." As the Definitions and Research pages of this website demonstrate, M.E. is a clearly defined clinical entity that was coded in the ICD-9 as 323.9 under "6. Diseases of the Nervous System and Sense Organs(320-389); Inflammatory Diseases of the Central Nervous System(320-326)." However, the U.S. modification of the ICD-9 (ICD-9-CM) tabular document revised 323.9 to "Unspecified cause of encephalitis, myelitis, and encephalomyelitis" but still lists in the ICD-9-CM Index: "Encephalomyelitis (chronic) (granulomatous) (hemorrhagic necrotizing, acute) (myalgic, benign) (see also Encephalitis) 323.9." This is the diagnostic code we recommend doctors use when a patient fits the distinct M.E. definitions, according the the Consensus Document, Ramsay, Dowsett et al definitions, and Hyde descripton. According to a CDC ICD coding representative (July 2006), "M.E. has always been indexed to code 323.9. That is the code number that patients should be assigned." Correctly diagnosing this disease benefits patients and health care providers by acknowledging the true prevalence of ME in the U.S.