There are many significant differences between the ICD-9 code set and the ICD-10 code set. ICD-9 codes are 3-5 characters in length, there are approximately 13,000 codes, and the first digit is usually an alphabet (E or V) or a numeric (2-5). ICD-10 codes are 3-7 Characters in length, there are approximately 68,000 codes, digit one is an alpha, digits 2 and 3 are numeric, and digits 4-7 are alpha or numeric. ICD-10 codes are also flexible for adding new codes, whereas ICD-9 codes do not have that flexibility. ICD-10 codes are also more detail oriented and specific than ICD-9 codes. Meaning they would identify right VS. Left. The CM in ICD-9 means clinical modification, and the PCS in ICD-10 mean Procedure classification system. After graduation