2016 ICD-10-CM Code Changes

Written By: Toni M. Woods, CCS, CPC, AHIMA-Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer, Director of Coding/CompliancennThis year many are anticipating the first update to the ICD-10 code set after a lengthy 5 year code freeze. Annually, new codes are added, revised, and deleted and with this being the first year of federally mandated use for the brand new code set, everyone is hoping for clarification on many coding conundrums that have perplexed us over the past year.nnOf note, this year’s updates will include 2,670 proposed code changes, which will take effect on October 1, 2016. The updates will be released and published on the CDC’s website in June, about 5 months before implementation is required.n

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• 1,943 new additions to the 2017 ICD-10-CM code setn
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  • There will be 885 new codes added to Chapter 19 (Injuries Chapter), which will include increased site specificity for fracture codes of the following sites: neck, base of skull, facial bones, Salter-Harris calcaneal fractures, and other fractures.

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  • There will be 260 new diabetes combination codes to report commonly associated manifestations and complications.

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  • There will be 152 new codes added to Chapter 13 (Musculoskeletal Chapter), which will include additional classifications for bunions, temporomandibular joint conditions, cervical spine disorders and atypical femoral fractures.

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• 422 revised codes will be included in the 2017 ICD-10-CM code set

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• 305 codes will be deleted from the 2017 ICD-10-CM code set

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nThe Welter Healthcare Partners coding department (based on client requests) are imploring for the following, much needed ICD-10-CM changes/clarifications:n

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• More concrete guidance on the 7^th character applications in Chapter 19

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• When aftercare Z codes are appropriate instead of injury codes as it pertains to Orthopedics

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• Better code options for Nexplanon contraceptive management

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• Clarification on the use of wellness Z codes

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• Clinical guidance and examples on the dependence classifications for nicotine, which include: uncomplicated, in remission, with withdrawal, with other nicotine-induced disorders, and unspecified nicotine-induced disorders

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nnnNow is the time to identify gaps, get the training your practice/organization needs, and conduct documentation queries. We recommend participating in Welter Healthcare Partners’s ICD-10 PUSH Program (Persist Until Success Happens) to ensure a smooth, successful transition, and to avoid claim denials and payment delays. Let our experts help make your job easier! Contact us today!