The 2021 ICD-10 updates, effective October 1, 2020 have been released and the changes are numerous. Most of the changes replace or expand non-specific codes with more specific ones. For example:
Under K21.0 Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, the associated condition “reflux esophagitis” is deleted and two new codes are added to identify the condition more clearly as with or without bleeding:
K21.00 Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, without bleeding K21.01 Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, with bleeding
Here are some of the codes PCP's use frequently:
R51, Headache, is being deleted and replaced with the options of R51.0, Headache with orthostatic component, not elsewhere classified, and R51.9, Headache, unspecified.
E74.8, Other specified disorders of carbohydrate metabolism is being deleted. You'll have the choice of E74.810, Glucose transporter protein type 1 deficiency, E74.818, Other disorders of glucose transport, E74.819, Disorders of glucose transport, unspecified or E74.89, Other specified disorders of carbohydrate metabolism.
N18.3, Chronic kidney disease, stage 3 (moderate) is being deleted. New options include N18.30, Chronic kidney disease, stage 3, unspecified, N18.31, Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a or N18.32, Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b.
R74.0, Nonspecific elevation of levels of transaminase and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) is being deleted. New codes are R74.01, Elevation of levels of liver transaminase levels and R74.02, Elevation of levels of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH).
These are just a few of the almost 600 code changes. Make sure to check out the AMA and CMS websites for all the specific revisions. Need some help deciphering or implementing them? Contact Premier Medical Billing for affordable consulting or training packages.
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