ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

When a code is converted to parent, new codes are part of the deal.

In ICD-10 2024, there are several new codes taking effect that stand on their own and will be listed in the code book as such. There are, however, other new codes as well that rely on an already existing code for their taxonomy.

These already existing codes have been converted to parent codes. When a code is converted to parent code, it expands the coding possibilities under that particular diagnosis code by adding new codes with greater specificity below it.

Check out these parent code conversions, along with their new code families, which will be in effect when ICD-10 2024 takes effect on Oct. 1, 2023.

Metabolic Syndrome/Insulin Resistance Dx Broken Down Further

The new ICD-10 code book will pay some attention to codes representing metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance.

Converted to Parent

• E88.81 (Metabolic syndrome and other insulin resistance)

New

• E88.810 (Metabolic syndrome)
• E88.811 (Insulin resistance syndrome, Type A)
• E88.818 (Other insulin resistance)
• E88.819 (Insulin resistance, unspecified)
• E88.A (Wasting disease (syndrome) due to underlying condition)

Analysis: The E88.81 code was a bit broad; with the new codes, you will be able to specify whether the patient suffers from metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance.

ICD-10 Attacks Heart Dx Specificity

There are several additions to ICD-10 2024 that will allow you to paint a fuller picture of some pretty serious heart problems.

Converted to Parent

• I20.8 (Other forms of angina pectoris)

New

• I20.81 (Angina pectoris with coronary microvascular dysfunction)
• I20.89 (Other forms of angina pectoris)
• I21.B (Myocardial infarction with coronary microvascular dysfunction)

Converted to Parent

• I24.8 (Other forms of acute ischemic heart disease)

New

• I24.81 (Acute coronary microvascular dysfunction)
• I24.89 (Other forms of acute ischemic heart disease)

Converted to Parent

• I47.1 (Supraventricular tachycardia)

New

• I47.10 (Supraventricular tachycardia, unspecified)
• I47.11 (Inappropriate sinus tachycardia, so stated)
• I47.19 (Other supraventricular tachycardia)

Analysis: Any time the heart is involved, the most accurate diagnosis code possible is vital toward ensuring the patient receives the care that they need — at that moment and in future interactions with healthcare providers. Providing an ICD-10 code that gets past the 4th character and drills deeper with details can only help patients.

ICD-10 Expands Appendicitis Dx Options

Every ED will see its share of patients with appendicitis. Thanks to ICD-10 2024, coding for this condition will get even more granular.

Converted to Parent

• K35.20 (Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, without abscess)

New

• K35.200 (Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, without perforation or abscess)
• K35.201 (Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, with perforation, without abscess)
• K35.209 (Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, without abscess, unspecified as to perforation)

Converted to Parent

• K35.21 (Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, with abscess)

New

• K35.210 (Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, without perforation, with abscess)
• K35.211 (Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, with perforation and abscess)
• K35.219 (Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, with abscess, unspecified as to perforation)

Analysis: Each of these new code sets aims to make appendicitis coding more accurate by specifying whether the patient also suffers from an abscess, perforation, or (potentially) both.