Reminder for COVID Coding Changes Effective January 1, 2021

This is a reminder that once again in the midst of the global pandemic that is COVID-19, coding professionals are going to experience an off-cycle coding update.  Six new ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are going into effect January 1, 2021, as are twenty-one new ICD-10-PCS codes as illustrated in the illustrated in the tables below. 

 

The new ICD-10-PCS COVID-related codes breakdown as follows:

10 new codes for monoclonal antibody

6 new codes for vaccines

5 new codes for other drug class (Immunomodulator)

 

ICD-10-PCS Procedure Code	Description
XW013H6	Introduction of other new technology monoclonal antibody into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW013K6	Introduction of leronlimab monoclonal antibody into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW013S6	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 1 into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW013T6	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 2 into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW013U6	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW023S6	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 1 into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW023T6	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 2 into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW023U6	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW033E6	Introduction of etesevimab monoclonal antibody into peripheral vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW033F6	Introduction of bamlanivimab monoclonal antibody into peripheral vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW033G6	Introduction of REGN-COV2 monoclonal antibody into peripheral vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW033H6	Introduction of other new technology monoclonal antibody into peripheral vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW033L6	Introduction of CD24Fc immunomodulator into peripheral vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW043E6	Introduction of etesevimab monoclonal antibody into central vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW043F6	Introduction of bamlanivimab monoclonal antibody into central vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW043G6	Introduction of REGN-COV2 monoclonal antibody into central vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW043H6	Introduction of other new technology monoclonal antibody into central vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW043L6	Introduction of CD24Fc immunomodulator into central vein, percutaneous approach, new technology group 6
XW0DXM6	Introduction of baricitinib into mouth and pharynx, external approach, new technology group 6
XW0G7M6	Introduction of baricitinib into upper GI, via natural or artificial opening, new technology group 6
XW0H7M6	Introduction of baricitinib into lower GI, via natural or artificial opening, new technology group 6

It is important to note, that none of the ICD-10-PCS codes are consider OR procedures and therefore, will have no impact on the MS-DRG assignment.  Also, be aware that Medicare has announced it will make a payment for COVID vaccination of inpatients separately from the MS-DRG.  In order for that to occur, Medicare requires CPT codes be used when billing a Medicare inpatient for the COVID-19 vaccination. 

A further reminder, that while we remain in the pandemic, use of a screening code for COVID is not appropriate.  Instead, assign the “exposure” code.  Guidance will be provided when it is no long considered appropriate to assign the “exposure” code and we can begin using the screening.

 

 

About the Author 

Dianna Foley, RHIA, CHPS, CCS  is OHIMA's Coding Education Coordinator. Dianna has been an HIM professional for 20 years. She progressed through the ranks of coder, department supervisor, and department director, to her current role as a coding consultant. 

She recently served as the program director for Medical Coding and HIT at Eastern Gateway Community College. Dianna earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati subsequently achieving her RHIA, CHPS, and CCS certifications. She is an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer and a a presenter at regional HIM meetings and the OHIMA Annual Meeting.