Each year the ICD-10-CM file is updated. This includes updates to both the Guidelines section and the actual codes. The Guidelines give us direction in the way to use the codes. This year there are notations for Obstetrics, Comas, and Counselling in the Guidelines section to name a few. There are also new codes for Post Covid-19 conditions and significant changes regarding Cannabis codes. There are also new codes in the areas of cough, traumatic brain compression, anemia, and gastric intestinal metaplasia. This fast-paced overview of the changes to the diagnostic code set for 2022 will afford the listener what is needed to stay current in this area for the upcoming year and give them ample time to adjust office practices and coding for these new items for the upcoming year.
Codes that change frequently do so by expanding an existing code into more specific codes. This makes the old code invalid. Using an invalid code will cause rejection and delay payment for legitimate services. Changes or clarifications in the Guidelines help with everyday situations when questions arise. Although you may think things don’t’ affect you, you do not know if you don’t know what the changes are.
The 2022 ICD-10-CM Guidelines will be covered first. Reminding the listener of some things, but mostly giving updated information on what is different in 2022. Then additional, revisions and deletions of codes will be discussed. In a step-by-step manner, each section of code changes will be discussed with rationale for the changes from the Committee that makes the changes itself.