10 updates to prepare for the ICD-10 overhaul that goes live Oct. 1

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers identify which parts of the ICD-10-CM code set changed and where the update may affect routine diagnosis coding workflows.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the ICD-10 update

   Introduces the scope of the annual diagnosis code update and the general types of changes discussed in the article.

2. Zika gets an ICD-10 code

   Covers a new infectious disease diagnosis category and the related update to prior guidance.

3. Diabetic retinopathy gets specific

   Summarizes expanded specificity in a diabetes-related eye condition category and the broader structure of the changes.

4. Carpal tunnel now includes a bilateral designation

   Describes laterality updates affecting nerve and entrapment-related diagnoses.

5. New options added to hearing loss codes

   Reviews revisions affecting hearing-related diagnoses and tinnitus laterality distinctions.

6. Monitor three new codes for hypertension

   Notes newly added hypertension-related diagnosis categories and their place in encounter coding.

7. Respiratory disease deck gets shuffled

   Covers changes in the respiratory chapter, including removals and additions in the mediastinum-related area.

8. New bunion codes and joint-pain codes

   Summarizes new musculoskeletal codes for foot deformity and hand joint pain.

9. One down, four up for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

   Describes changes to temporomandibular joint disorder coding, including added laterality detail.

10. Some pregnancy conditions add trimester-specific codes

    Reviews obstetric coding updates that add trimester detail to selected pregnancy-related conditions.

11. Add type, laterality and episode of care to injury section

    Covers injury and fracture code expansion, including added specificity for encounter and healing status.

12. Bonus: Beware of perilous paper products

    Highlights an external-cause coding update related to an uncommon injury source.