Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
ICD-10 2022 Gets Specific on Low Back Pain, Concussions
Get hip to the new codes before autumn. When the calendar flips to October, you’re going to have to get used to some new ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Why? The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its latest list of ICD-10 codes. The new codes will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2021, and be in effect until Oct. 1, 2022. Check out this specialty-specific news on the new ICD-10 list, so you’ll need to be ready by the implementation date. Check out the Numbers According to the WHO, the new code book will have: Impact: For neurology and pain management coders, there are more than 30 new codes that could impact the way you select diagnoses in the future. While there are no deleted codes of note, there are also a few revised codes you’ll want to note before October 1. New Depression, Cervicogenic Headache Codes Highlight Additions Here’s a list of the new ICD-10 codes you’ll need to learn this summer, along with some analysis interspersed for better guidance: Analysis: The G44.86 code will allow you to code cervicogenic headache when the provider diagnoses it. Previously, you would have had to code cervicogenic headaches with a less specific code from the G44.8 (Other specified headache syndromes) code set. Analysis: At first glance, it doesn’t seem that Sjogren syndrome would be relevant to neurology or pain management coders; the condition is marked by dry eyes and dry mouth, which won’t be treated by any of your providers. You will, however, probably see people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory arthritis, or peripheral/central nervous system issues. These patients often suffer from Sjogren syndrome due to their primary conditions, so these could be frequent secondary diagnoses for some of your patients. Analysis: These additions almost double the coding options you’ll have for the M45 (Ankylosing spondylitis) code set. Analysis: This provides greater specificity for patients with low back pain; the 2021 ICD-10 code book only lists a single code under M54.5- (Low back pain). Analysis: These codes will almost double the S06.0 (Concussion) code set. Depressive Episode, Sjogren Syndrome Get Revisions The following codes are being revised for the next ICD-10 (revised definitions shown here): Analysis: These revisions make coding for Sjogren syndrome simpler. The M35.0 (Sicca syndrome [Sjogren]) codes currently reference Sicca syndrome; Sjogren syndrome will replace this term in the revised codes.
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