2018 ICD-10-CM codes, guidelines: What you need to know

The new proposed 2018 ICD-10-CM codes will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2017 for dates of service Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2018. There are approximately 360 new codes, 142 deletions, and 226 code revisions in the final rule update posted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This article provides an overview of the new codes, revisions, and deletions that are relevant to urology practice.

Chapter 14: Disease of the Genitourinary System (N00-N99) has new codes for code N63.0: Unspecified lump in breast (table 1). This chapter also has revisions of descriptors, additions, and deletions to Exclude codes (tables 2 and 3). So be sure to review these prior to final code selection. There are not too many changes in this chapter, but when you code your patients’ comorbidities, you will need to pay attention to the changes and read the guidelines in those chapters as well.

You are now able to select a specific code for remission from abuse of a variety of substances, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opiods, classified to the severity of use as mild, moderate, or severe.

Additional changes include new codes for heart failure, myocardial infarction, antenatal screening, neoplasm, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Be sure to review the guidelines and code changes, educate your staff of these changes, and modify forms and electronic databases. Staff education to keep current with code changes, rules, regulations, and adherence to policies and procedures is necessary for a well-run, financially successful practice. Review the ICD-10-CM guidelines and changes for 2018, implement them, and prepare for the CPT and HCPCS changes that will become effective on Jan. 1, 2018.

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