Orthopedic Coding Alert

WHO adds nearly 200 Dx codes for 2022.

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:

• 191 new ICD-10 codes,
• 27 revised ICD-10 codes, and
• 25 deleted codes.

Impact: For orthopedic coders, there are about 20 new codes with which to get acquainted, and also a few revised codes to note. There were no deletions of note for next year, so orthopedic coders can focus on adding/revising diagnoses in their coding arsenal — not on deleting them.

New Codes Focus on Expanding Existing Sets

• M35.05 (Sjogren syndrome with inflammatory arthritis)
• M35.06 (Sjogren syndrome with peripheral nervous system involvement)
• M35.07 (Sjogren syndrome with central nervous system involvement)
• M35.08 (Sjogren syndrome with gastrointestinal involvement)
• M35.0A (Sjogren syndrome with glomerular disease)
• M35.0B (Sjogren syndrome with vasculitis)
• M35.0C (Sjogren syndrome with dental involvement)

Analysis: At first glance, it doesn’t seem that Sjogren syndrome would be relevant to orthopedic 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.

• M45.A (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis)
• M45.A0 (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of unspecified sites in spine)
• M45.A1 (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of occipito-atlanto-axial region)
• M45.A2 (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of cervical region)
• M45.A3 (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of cervicothoracic region)
• M45.A4 (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of thoracic region)
• M45.A5 (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of thoracolumbar region)
• M45.A6 (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of lumbar region)
• M45.A7 (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of lumbosacral region)
• M45.A8 (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of sacral and sacrococcygeal region)
• M45.AB (Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis of multiple sites in spine)

Analysis: These additions almost double the coding options you’ll have for the M45 (Ankylosing spondylitis) code set.

• M54.50 (Low back pain, unspecified)
• M54.51 (Vertebrogenic low back pain)
• M54.59 (Other low back pain)

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).