A Snapshot ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Code Changes Snapshot

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Posted by Global Healthcare Resource & Lisa Eramo on Aug 23, 2023 1:35:54 PM

It’s that time of year again. New, revised, and deleted ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS medical codes are set to take effect in just a few weeks on October 1. This article provides a sneak peek of what’s to come and how you can prepare your coding teams for the ICD-10 code updates. Focus your time and attention on ICD-10-CM/PCS code changes related to the following.

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New Technology and Drugs
Given the rapid development of new technology and drugs, it’s not surprising that most of the 78 new ICD-10-PCS codes for 2024 (40 codes to be exact) represent new procedures, substances, and devices. If you’re reading an operative report and see a procedure, substance, or device you don’t recognize, there’s a good chance there’s probably a new X code (and new technology add-on payment) for it now. While you’re at it, be sure to check out and bookmark the 2024 ICD-10-PCS official coding guidelines.

Diagnostic Specificity 
The ICD-10-CM update includes 395 new ICD-10-CM codes, many of which promote specificity. Check out these noteworthy new additions while simultaneously reviewing the 2024 ICD-10-CM official coding guidelines
A41.54 Sepsis due to Acinetobacter baumannii
E88.810 Metabolic syndrome
G20.A Parkinson's disease without dyskinesia
G20.B Parkinson's disease with dyskinesia
G43.E  Chronic migraine with aura
I1A.0 Resistant hypertension
I20.81 Angina pectoris with coronary microvascular dysfunction
I20.89 Other forms of angina pectoris
I21.B Myocardial infarction with coronary microvascular dysfunction
I24.81 Acute coronary microvascular dysfunction
I24.89 Other forms of acute ischemic heart disease
J15.61 Pneumonia due to Acinetobacter baumannii
J15.69 Pneumonia due to other Gram-negative bacteria
M80.0B Age-related osteoporosis with current pathological fracture, pelvis
M80.8B Other osteoporosis with current pathological fracture, pelvis
R92.3 Mammographic density found on imaging of breast
 
Diverse Child Custody Arrangements and Familial Conflict
Given the ongoing evolution of family systems and increased societal stressors; it’s not surprising to see these eight new ICD-10-CM codes: 
Z62.23 Child in custody of non-parental relative
Z62.24 Child in custody of non-relative guardian
Z62.823 Parent-step child conflict
Z62.83 Non-parental relative or guardian-child conflict
Z62.831 Non-parental relative-child conflict
Z62.832 Non-relative guardian-child conflict
Z62.833 Group home staff/child conflict
Z62.892 Runaway [from current living situation]

Caregiver Noncompliance 
Medical breakthroughs happen every day. However, none of these breakthroughs matter if patients and their caregivers can’t afford life-saving medications and procedures. That’s why it’s important to capture these two new codes related to caregiver noncompliance due to financial hardship:
Z91A41 Caregiver’s other noncompliance with patient’s medication regimen due to  financial hardship
Z91A51 Caregivers noncompliance with patient’s renal dialysis due to financial hardship

Increased Payments to Hospitals for Treating Homeless Patients
This isn’t a coding change per say, but one notable difference for FY 2014 is a change in severity designation for these three ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes from non-CC to CC status as outlined on p. 297 of the FY 2024 IPPS final rule:
Z59.00 Homelessness, unspecified
Z59.01 Sheltered homelessness
Z59.02 Unsheltered homelessness

This change is important because it means CMS recognizes homelessness causes increased resource utilization in the acute inpatient hospital setting.

How to prepare for the FY 2024 ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code changes:
The good news is hospitals have another month or so to prepare for these changes. Here are five ways to do that:
  1. Review all—and we mean all—the changes. Our article only provides a small snapshot of the new codes. There are plenty more as well as revisions and deletions to consider.
  2. Provide medical coder education. Many companies offer cost-effective webinars and online courses about the FY 2024 code changes. Your revenue cycle management partner may also be able to guide you. Find a reputable source and add the training to everyone’s schedules as soon as possible. Give coders time to ask questions and sort out any confusion.
  3. Loop clinical documentation improvement (CDI) specialists into the changes. The added specificity inherent in many of the new codes may require physician queries. CDI specialists can also help organizations capture codes for homelessness to promote revenue integrity.
  4. Talk to physicians about new technology. Not all new ICD-10-PCS codes may be relevant to your organization. Ask physicians to narrow down the list of new procedures, drugs, and services on which coders should focus.
  5. Prepare for audits. After go-live on October 1, revenue cycle management departments should plan to audit claims and identify any payment problems as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Annual coding changes present healthcare organizations with plenty of opportunities to open the lines of communication between departments and work together to improve compliance and prevent aging accounts receivable. Take the time to review new, revised, and deleted ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes to promote data and revenue integrity.
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