CMS’ proposed update to the ICD-10 diagnosis codes does not include U09.9 (Post COVID-19 condition, unspecified). This new code that would capture post COVID-19 conditions or cases when a patient continues to have lingering symptoms after the infection is gone was proposed during the virtual March 10 ICD-10-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting for an Oct. 1 implementation date.
 
However, keep in mind that there is still a chance that the code could be added to the final code update released in June.
 
The proposed code changes do reissue the six COVID-related codes that were implemented Jan. 1. They are J12.82, M35.81, M35.89, Z11.52, Z20.822 and Z86.16.
 
CMS introduced 153 new codes in its proposal including those for coughs, low back pain and cannabis poisoning, according to the FY2022 Hospital Inpatient PPS (IPPS) proposed rule, released April 27.
 
This update also includes 22 revised codes and 30 codes deemed invalid. If finalized, these changes would take effect Oct. 1.
 
Toxic effect of contact with Portuguese Man-o-war (T63.61-) and Sjogren syndrome codes (M35.00-M35.09) make up the majority of the proposed code title revisions. The 30 codes proposed to be deemed invalid are all instances in which a more specific code is proposed to be added, including several Poisoning by cannabis (derivatives) codes.
 
Other coding highlights
  • Chapter 13 accounts for 35 ICD-10-CM code changes, including an expansion of the category for Sjogren syndrome (M35.0-) and a new series of codes for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (M45.A-). The diagnosis code for low back pain (M54.5) has been expanded to distinguish vertebrogenic low back pain (M54.51) from other types.
  • In numerous changes to Chapter 18, six new specific codes for coughs (R05) were added, including acute, subacute, chronic, cough syncope, other specified and unspecified. Additional codes were added for polyuria (R35.8), nonsuicidal self-harm (R45.88) and feeding difficulties (R63.3-) to distinguish pediatric feeding disorder.
  • The bulk of changes occurred in Chapter 19, including new codes for traumatic brain compression (S06.A-) and poisoning by cannabis (T40.71-) and synthetic cannabinoids (T40.72).
To view the rule and tables, visit https://tinyurl.com/5x25p9z6.