Providers Prepare for 141 New Diagnosis Codes Effective Oct. 1

Some of the new codes may help with ICD-10 transition.

Although ICD-10  implementation  is looming around the corner, providers can't forget to stay up-to-date on the newest ICD-9 updates, too. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued 141 new diagnosis codes that go into effect Oct. 1.

Most of the new codes will offer additional specificity to existing diseases, which can help providers code more accurately. “Any time we get diagnosis codes that provide additional specificity, I think that is great,” says Marvel J. Hammer of MJH Consulting in Denver.

New codes appear in most categories, ranging from oncology orthopedics. Providers will also find an expansion of the 799.2 (Nervousness) section, with new codes for irritability (799.22), impulsiveness (799.23), and demoralization and apathy (799.25), among others.

“The new fifth digit ICD-9 codes can be used to report emotional and/or behavioral symptoms,” Hammer says. “If these symptoms are associated as a late effect to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the new ICD-9 code(s) could be paired with the appropriate late effect code, 905.0 (Late effect of fracture of skull and face bones) or 907.0 (Late effect of intracranial injury ...).”

Coding late effects generally requires two codes, Hammer says. The condition or nature of the late effect is sequenced first; the late effect code is sequenced second. But if the emotional/behavioral signs and symptoms are inherent in an established diagnosis, providers should not code them separately.

“Additionally, these new codes parallel the ICD-10-CM codes found in the R45.X Symptoms and Signs Involving Emotional State section, allowing for easier mapping when providers convert to ICD-10 in 2013,” Hammer says.