On June 11, the CDC posted the Release of the 2019 ICD-10-CM codes for download in both XML and PDF formats. The 2019 update includes a total of 473 code changes, including additions, deletions, and revisions to the code set. nnMany of the new codes added to the code set are external cause codes to describe exploitation of children and adults in the form of psychological abuse, bullying and intimidation, forced sexual exploitation, or forced labor exploitation. These code changes are effective October 1, 2018 and will be used through September 30, 2019.nnThe codes were requested by several hospitals, which are seeing an increase in human trafficking cases and finding they don’t have ICD-10-CM codes adequate to differentiate these victims from other abuse victims. CDC is adding new T codes to report for cases of suspected and confirmed exploitation of children as well as adults. In addition, there are new encounter Z codes added to Chapter 21 for examination and observation of human trafficking victims.nnAs originally proposed, a go-to code for an infected surgical wound, T81.4xxA, is among the 51 codes that are set to be deleted. In its place, coders will have 15 additional codes added to an expanded T81.4- subcategory that will allow them to more accurately report the depth of the infection.n
nThis article was originally posted on blogs.hcpro.com