Question: Codify Member Answer: You'll find this rule supported by the ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, Section I.B.6: "Codes that describe symptoms and signs, as opposed to diagnoses, are acceptable for reporting purposes when a related definitive diagnosis has not been established (confirmed) by the provider." You can access the guidelines for ICD-9 2012 online at www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd9/icd9cm_guidelines_2011.pdf. Although many ICD-9-CM manuals include a copy of the official guidelines, the manuals typically include the previous year's guidelines because of publishing deadlines. Using the online version ensures you're using the most up-to-date guidelines. Watch for: In 2005, Coding Clinic for ICD-9-CM (vol. 22, no. 3) stated that "consistent with," "compatible with," "indicative of," "suggestive of," and "comparable with" also indicate probable or suspected conditions (which you should not code as confirmed).