April ICD-10 Code Updates

In case you missed the announcement last fall, ICD-10 codes are going to be updated twice a year beginning in 2022.  These updates will be effective on April 1 and October 1 each year going forward.  This “In the kNOW” installment will share the rationale for more frequent updates and what to expect this April. 

One need only to reflect on the past two years to get an understanding for the need for more frequent code updates.  With the COVID-19 pandemic, coding professionals saw the unprecedented implementation of a new code to capture this disease in April of 2020.  It is imperative in such situations to be able to capture this information quickly not only for coding and billing, but to aid research and track clinical outcomes. 

The initial April updates are planned to be less comprehensive than the October updates.  Fewer codes will be implemented in April.  The good news is that the April codes that will go into effect are going to be available for review in November of the preceding year.  That gives coding professionals plenty of time to become familiar with the changes.  Additionally, if necessary, guidelines and coding advice will be updated. 

So, what is in store for April 1, 2022?  There are three new ICD-10-CM codes being released all related to the vaccination status of patients, two of which are specific to COVID-19 vaccination status.  Coding professionals will now be able to document if the patient is unvaccinated for COVID-19 (Z28.310), partially vaccinated for COVID-19 (Z28.311), or if there is other underimmunization status. 

 

Diagnosis Code	Description	CC	MDC	MS-DRG
Z28.310	Unvaccinated for COVID-19	NonCC	23	951
Z28.311	Partially vaccinated for COVID-19	NonCC	23	951
Z28.39	Other underimmunization status	NonCC	23	951

There are going to be seven new codes added to ICD-10-PCS which address vaccination for COVID-19 and infusion of fostamatinib to treat COVID-19.

 

Procedure Code	Description	*O.R.	MDC	MS-DRG
XW013V7	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 3 into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7	N
XW013W7	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine booster into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7	N
XW023V7	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 3 into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7	N
XW023W7	Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine booster into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7	N
XW0DXR7	Introduction of fostamatinib into mouth and pharynx, external approach, new technology group 7	N
XW0G7R7	Introduction of fostamatinib into upper GI, via natural or artificial opening, new technology group 7	N
XW0H7R7	Introduction of fostamatinib into lower GI, via natural or artificial opening, new technology group 7	N

*As the procedure codes are designated as non-O.R. procedures, there is no assigned MDC or MS-DRG. The ICD-10MS-DRG assignment is dependent on the reported principal diagnosis, any secondary diagnoses defined as a complication or comorbidity (CC) or major complication or comorbidity (MCC), procedures or services performed, age, sex, and discharge status.

Certainly, much smaller update than coding professionals are used to seeing, but there is no denying the need to be able to capture this information.  Data that can be gleaned from the use of these codes may finally be able to help us put this pandemic behind us for good.

Now you are In the kNOW!!

Source for Tables: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/AcuteInpatientPPS/MS-DRG-Classifications-and-Software?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=184119097&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9sGVcmLV_yv960e8rCVbE-ESJDKFppvx6nf44Piksu0HEeeStbcHvobhA46Tm73UoSZiwhRz2iAyLNqS6-5bOrBIFGzQ&utm_content=184119097&utm_source=hs_email

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author 

Dianna Foley, RHIA, CHPS, CCS, CDIP  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.