Updates to ICD-10 Code Sets to Be Released in October 2016

Five years of requested changes to the ICD-10 code sets will finally make their way to approval and implementation this year. These revisions will allow medical coders to improve the way in which they document care provided to patients.

A partial freeze implemented on October 1st, 2011, ensured that annual, routine changes to ICD-9 and ICD-10 would be paused. On October 1st, 2016, the freeze will be lifted, and routine, annual updates to ICD-10 CM and ICD-10 PCS code sets will resume.

The group of individuals responsible for approving code changes and developing addenda and modifications form The ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee. This committee is comprised of representatives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Updates to ICD-10 clinical modification codes

ICD-10 CM codes are used to document outpatient and clinical care. For October 2016, there are currently 1,943 ICD-10-CM code changes under review, including 313 deletions and 351 revisions. The topics of the ICD-10-CM code updates have a wide range including pregnancy, fractures, blindness and low vision.

A list of new, proposed ICD-10-CM can be found on the CDC website.

Updates to ICD-10 procedural classification system codes

ICD-10 PCS codes are used to document inpatient, hospital care. For the October 1st, 2016 release, 3,651 new ICD-10-PCS codes and 487 revisions have already been approved. The majority of the new ICD-10-PCS codes, about 97 percent, involve conditions and treatments of the cardiovascular system.

A list of new, proposed ICD-10-PCS codes can be found on the CMS website.

After a public review period, when additional ICD-10 CM and ICD-10 PCS codes and revisions are finalized, all members of the healthcare industry must start using the new code sets by October 01, 2016.

Going forward, healthcare professionals will need to be aware of annual updates to ICD-10 code sets as they relate to each physician’s specialty. Accurate coding of any condition and treatment requires comprehensive understanding of updates and revisions to ICD-10 code sets.

Assistance with updates and revisions to ICD-10 code sets

Software vendors, like 1st Providers Choice, are prepared to help physician practices by providing ICD-10 ready practice management software and assistance with ICD-10 claims.

We also provide ICD-10 guidance and help practices understand all there is to know about the updates, revisions and deletions to the ICD-10 code sets by assigning an ICD-10 expert to each practice.

Need help preparing for updates to ICD-10 code sets for the 2017 fiscal year? Call 480-782-1116 today to speak with an ICD-10 expert.