ICD 10 Coding Alert
Learn These New Codes Before Oct. 1
Find out which codes you can add to your M45 options. It’s that time of year again: new ICD-10 codes are being released, and you’ll need to know the adjustments to keep coding accurately. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its latest list of ICD-10 codes. The new codes will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2021, and remain in effect until Oct. 1, 2022. Check out the codes that are likely to be important for neurology and pain management coders. Eye These Numbers According to the WHO, the new code book will have: Impact: For neurology and pain management coders, there are more than 30 new codes that could impact the way you select diagnoses in the future. While there are no deleted codes of note, there are also a few revised codes you’ll want to note before October 1. Find New Options for Depression, Cervicogenic Headache Codes Here’s a list of the new ICD-10 codes you’ll need to learn this summer, along with some analysis interspersed for better guidance: Analysis: The G44.86 code will allow you to code cervicogenic headache when the provider diagnoses it. Previously, you would have had to code cervicogenic headaches with a less specific code from the G44.8 (Other specified headache syndromes) code set. Analysis: At first glance, it doesn’t seem that Sjogren syndrome would be relevant to neurology or pain management coders; the condition is marked by dry eyes and dry mouth, which won’t be treated by any of your providers. You will, however, probably see people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory arthritis, or peripheral/central nervous system issues. These patients often suffer from Sjogren syndrome due to their primary conditions, so these could be frequent secondary diagnoses for some of your patients. Analysis: These additions almost double the coding options you’ll have for the M45 (Ankylosing spondylitis) code set. Analysis: This provides greater specificity for patients with low back pain; the 2021 ICD-10 code book only lists a single code under M54.5- (Low back pain). Analysis: These codes will almost double the S06.0 (Concussion) code set. Note Revised Codes for Depressive Episode, Sjogren Syndrome The following codes are being revised for the next ICD-10 (revised definitions shown here): Analysis: These revisions make coding for Sjogren syndrome simpler. The M35.0 (Sicca syndrome [Sjogren]) codes currently reference Sicca syndrome; Sjogren syndrome will replace this term in the revised codes.
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