The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently unveiled the ICD-10-CM code updates for the fiscal year 2024, effective since October 1, 2023. This comprehensive update encompasses a staggering 433 changes, including 395 additions, 25 deletions, and 13 revisions, resulting in a total of 78,044 codes within the ICD-10-CM set for FY 2024. Staying current with these annual alterations is imperative for coding professionals and relevant team members, ensuring proficient application and adherence to new documentation requisites.
Noteworthy updates in the realm of medical coding encompass the following highlights:
In Chapter 21, addressing Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Status:
Introduction of fresh codes centered on social determinants of health (SDoH) and their influence on the well-being of children. Specifically, five additional codes have been incorporated into category Z62, enhancing the ability to identify upbringing-related issues and providing clearer insights into the specific caregiver or situational context involving the child.
Additionally, four novel family history codes have been introduced to specifically document instances of polyp-related familial history.
In Chapter 20, Factors Leading to External Morbidity:
A new category, W44, has been introduced to pinpoint more severe instances of foreign objects entering or passing through natural orifices. This addition was prompted by a request from the American Academy of Pediatrics to refine the ICD-10-CM classification framework. As a result, FY 2024 welcomes the incorporation of 123 new ICD-10-CM codes, enabling a more precise and specific identification of both the type and location of the foreign body within the body
Moving to Chapter 18, Symptoms and Signs:
New ICD-10 codes under the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System now provide details on breast tissue density observed in mammograms. This includes the introduction of the new subcategory, R92.3, specifically for mammographic density identified in breast imaging. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an uptick in screening mammogram cases is anticipated. It’s crucial to ensure your coders are well-informed about these new codes and encourage their application when this prevalent finding is noted by the physician
For Chapter 9, Conditions Affecting the Circulatory System:
Within Chapter 9, a recent addition (I1A.0) addresses Resistant Hypertension (RH), characterized by persistently high blood pressure levels even with the simultaneous administration of a minimum of three antihypertensive medications from diverse pharmacological classes. Notably, the instructional notes emphasize coding the particular type of pre-existing hypertension as the initial step
In Chapter 6, Conditions Involving the Nervous System:
The Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council advocated for new codes to improve the tracking and understanding of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In 2017, an estimated 1.04 million individuals in the United States had PD, and projections suggest 1.2 million will be affected by 2030. These new codes will now encompass instances of dyskinesia (involuntary movement) and motor fluctuations in patients. Additionally, a set of fresh chronic migraine codes has been introduced, incorporating codes for chronic migraine with aura. Coders have the option to refine this diagnosis further by addressing questions related to intractability, status migrainosus, and other pertinent factors.
Moreover, several substantial changes have been implemented in the remaining chapters. Coders are strongly advised to exercise caution and precision, ensuring strict adherence to new tabular notes, updated ICD-10-CM guidelines, and the guidance provided by the 2023 American Hospital Association (AHA) Coding Clinic.