Transition to ICD-10: Don’t get tripped up by these 2017 ICD-10 bunion, fracture code changes

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers recognize where 2017 ICD-10-CM updates changed specificity, laterality, and code structure in ways that can affect documentation, code selection, and reimbursement. It is particularly useful for practices that code foot, spine, nerve, and fracture diagnoses under ICD-10-CM.

Article Sections

1. Foot deformity coding updates

   Discusses 2017 ICD-10-CM changes affecting common foot conditions and the need for more specific documentation in orthopedic reporting.

2. New bilateral nerve codes simplify reporting

   Summarizes the addition of bilateral nerve diagnosis options and the general reporting impact for upper- and lower-extremity nerve conditions.

3. Code new cervical spine codes by disc level

   Reviews the move to more specific cervical disc reporting by spinal level and the related changes affecting several mid-cervical categories.

4. Fracture code updates

   Covers expanded fracture coding across femoral, periprosthetic, skull, jaw, foot, ankle, and toe-related categories, including laterality and encounter specificity changes.

5. Additional 2017 ICD-10-CM changes

   Lists several other new or revised diagnosis codes added in the same update cycle for musculoskeletal and related reporting.