Coders can get a head start on getting to know the changes to coding rules for diagnosis coding as the FY2021 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines on Coding and Reporting were issued July 8 – weeks ahead of the typical early August release date.
 
The coding guidelines, which take effect Oct. 1, include additional instructions on reporting manifestations of U07.1 (COVID-19), as well as new guidance on social determinants of health and acute kidney failure, among other changes.
 
Guidelines for the new U codes
 
Don’t expect to see guidelines for U07.0 (Vaping-related disorders) and U07.1 under Chapter 22: Codes for Special Purposes (U00-U85). Upon a search, the chapter lists the codes and refers you to the appropriate sections in Chapter 10: Diseases of the Respiratory System (J00-J99) for U07.0 and Chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (A00-B99) for U07.1, for the guidelines.
 
For more details on the FY2021 guidelines, see the upcoming issue of Diagnosis Coding Pro.
 
Related link: To view the full FY2021 ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, visit https://bit.ly/3foIbq5.