Diabetes “Buddy” codes The ICD-9-CM code for diabetes is assigned to category 250 Diabetes Mellitus. The fourth digit is used to indicate the presence of a manifestations or complications identified due to diabetes. Consider the following in the documentation before assigning a code: 1. Type of diabetes the patient has. 2. Is the diabetes is controlled or uncontrolled? 3. Are there manifestations or complications? If so, what are they? Coding guidelines require two ICD-9 codes be used when coding diabetes and its manifestation. If the physician just lists 250.40, then it is an incomplete diagnosis. They would need the second “buddy” code to completely document the patient’s condition. The linking words of “due to” in the medical record are important as well. The following codes are used to indicate diabetes with manifestations. The fifth digit determines the type of diabetes and whether it is uncontrolled or not stated as uncontrolled. 25...