New ICD 10 Guidelines 2024 Ready for April 1
New ICD 10 Guidelines 2024 Ready for April 1
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) unveiled the latest updates for the ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and files, slated for implementation on April 1, 2024. This release encompasses the refreshed ICD-10-CM Guidelines and Addenda for both the Tabular List and Index.
The date of April 1st has gained significance as a routine update alongside the traditional October 1st implementation date. It’s worth noting that all necessary files for both ICD-10-PCS and ICD-10-CM, along with revisions to the MS-DRG Classifications and Software, must be accessible by February 1st of each year. This ensures a minimum of two months for system adjustments and educational purposes.
ICD-10-CM Updates
Unlike the ICD-10-PCS updates, the changes to the ICD-10-CM coding set do not introduce any new codes for the April 1, 2024. However, the tabular addenda reveals noteworthy changes in terms of notes, including the modification of Excludes 1 to Excludes 2 notes and updates to code ranges. Additionally, there are clarifications provided, such as correcting an Excludes 2 note related to chronic bronchiolitis and asthma with COPD. This correction involves transitioning from code J44.9 to code J44.89, reflecting a change that was introduced in October 2023.
Minimal changes are evident in the guidelines, with additional codes specified for sepsis due to postprocedural infection and a modification in terminology from “solely” to “chiefly” in Chapter 21 aftercare guidelines. This aligns with a similar update in Chapter 2 guidelines.
For more information on the ICD-10-CM April 1 changes, please review this article by Teri Jorwic on our YES Blog.
ICD-10-PCS Updates
The ICD-10-PCS files for April 1, 2024, were available since December 2023, featuring information on MS-DRG assignment for the 41 new ICD-10-PCS codes in the ICD-10 MS-DRGs Version 41.1. This update also includes six deleted and three revised codes, along with a minor update in the Radiation Therapy guidelines.
Various procedures are covered in the new codes, ranging from the insertion of palladium-103 radioactive implants into the brain to the administration of tPA and DNase into the pleural cavity. Notably, laparoscopic hand-assisted surgeries, resection and excision procedures, choanal dilation, pedicled omentoplasty, and the introduction of New Technology codes for antineoplastic talquetamab and electrical biocapacitance assessment of pressure injuries are among the highlighted topics.
For more information on the ICD-10-PCS April 1 changes, please review this article by Ann Zeisset on our YES Blog.
Stay Ahead of the Changes with Continuous Education
In summary, these updates reflect the ongoing evolution and refinement of the ICD-10 code sets, ensuring healthcare professionals have the necessary tools to accurately document and classify diagnoses and procedures for improved patient care and efficient healthcare management.
To help healthcare professionals and coding teams prepare for the upcoming changes, YES is offering comprehensive presentations that provide detailed insights into the 2024 ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS updates. These presentations cover a wide range of topics, including code changes, guideline updates, and clinical details related to various conditions. Separate sessions are also dedicated to the Medical and Surgical section, the New Technology section, and the implications of the updates on MS-DRGs.
Our team provides customized education solutions through Annual Education Subscriptions. These subscriptions are designed for corporate coding teams, and offer personalized training, unlimited access to coding updates, refresher courses, and specialty coding subjects. They cover Inpatient, Outpatient, and ProFee coding, ensuring that healthcare professionals have the latest coding practices and skills.
YES offers individual bundles for Inpatient, Outpatient, and ProFee coding education for coders and auditors.
For more detailed information about the 2024 ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS changes, be sure to explore our ICD-10 Coding Guidelines and Updates Resource Center.
