ICD 10 Coding Alert

Hint: Pay attention to taxonomy to navigate code selection.

Oct. 1, 2023, is just around the corner, and there are many updates you’ll need to navigate. On the plus side, you’ll be able to use more specificity in reporting diagnoses!

In this slew of changes, there are new codes that rely on an existing code — now converted to parent codes — for their taxonomy.

Find New Options for Metabolic Syndrome/Insulin Resistance

Several of the 2024 ICD-10-CM changes focus on 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.

Look for More Specificity for Heart Attacks

Beginning in October, you’ll have more options for describing some 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-CM code that gets past the 4th character and drills deeper with details can only help patients.