What is the first character value assigned to osteopathic procedures?

In ICD-10-PCS coding, the first character of the code indicates the section of the procedure being reported. For osteopathic procedures, the correct first character is 8. This character specifically designates the "Osteopathic" section within the coding system, which is separate from other types of procedures such as medical and surgical.

The other character values serve different purposes within the PCS system and correspond to other categories of procedures. For instance, the character 0 represents medical and surgical procedures, while 1 through 5 are reserved for other specific types of procedures or anatomical site differentials. This delineation helps ensure precision in reporting and clarity in medical documentation, thereby facilitating accurate coding and billing processes. Understanding this structure is essential for anyone engaged in medical coding and reimbursement activities.