What are Diagnosis Pointers?

Diagnostic coding (ICD-10) translates written descriptions of diseases, illnesses, and injuries into codes from a particular classification. In medical classification, diagnosis codes are used as part of the clinical coding process alongside intervention codes. 

Diagnosis pointers are used to link the Diagnosis code to a specific CPT/procedure performed.

There are two ways that you can link a Diagnosis code (ICD-10) to a CPT in DrChrono, one on the Billing detail screen and the other through the Schedule calendar. Please follow the steps outlined below.


Option 1: To link a Diagnosis code to a CPT on the Billing detail screen:


1. Hover your cursor on Billing > Live Claims Feed.


2.  Select the date of service and it will take you to the Billing Detail Screen.


3. Enter the ICD-10 codes and CPT/HCPCS codes on the appointment.


4. You will be able to link a maximum of 4 primary Dx codes to one CPT as per CMS guidelines and can use a total of 12 Dx codes on an appointment.


5. To link a Dx code to a particular CPT enter the position of the Dx on the Dx Pointers field corresponding to that CPT as mentioned in the below screenshot.




Option 2: To link a  Diagnosis code to a CPT through a schedule calendar:


1.  Navigate to Schedule > Calendar


2.  Select the appointment and then select the Billing Tab.


3Enter the ICD-10 codes and CPT codes on the appointment.


4. To link a Dx code to a particular CPT enter the position of the Dx on the Dx Pointers field corresponding to that CPT as mentioned in the screenshot.


5. Select Save.


Limit on diagnosis codes transmitted:

The first 12 diagnoses entered will be transmitted to the payer on the patient's claim. You can enter additional diagnosis codes if they apply, however, only the first 12 will be transmitted.