The root operation is the third character in the PCS code and describes the intent or the objective of the procedure. The majority of PCS codes reported for the inpatient setting are found in the Medical and Surgical section of ICD-10-PCS.

Which of the following is an example of a root operation in an ICD-10-PCS code?

The third character of ICD-10-PCS defines the root operation. Some other examples of root operations are Bypass, Drainage, and Reattachment etc. When used in the third character of the code, the value B represents Excision.

What character of the ICD-10-PCS code represents the root operation?

Medical and surgical procedure codes have a first character value of “0”. The second character indicates the general body system (e.g., gastrointestinal). The third character indicates the root operation, or specific objective, of the procedure (e.g., excision).