V Code Update

Why This Topic Matters

These updates affect how common encounter reasons and patient status are represented in ICD-9-CM, especially for family history, genetic testing, aftercare, pregnancy-related screening, and screening encounters. Understanding the revised V code structure helps support accurate documentation review and consistent coding.

Article Sections

1. V Codes moved to nonspecific column

   This section describes a set of V codes that were moved into a nonspecific category on the table. It explains the general reason for the move and identifies the broad grouping involved.

2. History (of)

   This section covers a family history update within the V code table. It discusses the addition of a new family history code and its placement within the digestive disorders subcategory.

3. Obstetric and related conditions

   This section addresses revisions and additions related to genetic counseling, procreative management, and antenatal screening. It also notes a retitling of a category and the introduction of distinctions based on patient sex.

4. Aftercare

   This section reviews changes to aftercare coding for dressing and suture management. It includes a revised subcategory and newly created codes intended to separate different types of follow-up care.

5. Status codes

   This section summarizes new and revised status-related codes, including bariatric surgery status, body mass index categories, and estrogen receptor status. It also notes limitations on where some of these codes are applied.

6. Routine and administrative examinations

   This section covers a new code for follow-up hearing testing after a failed screening. It explains the general encounter type addressed by the update.

7. Screening

   This section describes the introduction of a genetic screening subcategory with new screening codes. It also places those codes in the context of related genetic carrier and susceptibility categories.