Functional quadriplegia, marasmus, kwashiorkor, and palliative care codes are put to the test in 2018 ICD-10-CM updates

Why This Topic Matters

The article highlights areas where guidance changes or clarifications may affect diagnosis reporting, documentation review, and downstream reimbursement or audit risk. It is relevant to teams monitoring how ICD-10-CM updates, Coding Clinic advice, and MS-DRG edits interact in practice.

Article Sections

1. Functional quadriplegia

   Discusses how the topic is addressed in ICD-10-CM guidance and related coding references, with attention to documentation and validation concerns. It also touches on risk-adjustment and audit considerations.

2. Marasmus and kwashiorkor

   Reviews FY 2018 coding guidance affecting malnutrition-related diagnoses and the need for clinical validation when these conditions are reported. The section references Coding Clinic and other public health and oversight sources.

3. Encounter for palliative care

   Covers changes and related guidance affecting palliative care encounters in the inpatient/MS-DRG environment. It also addresses sequencing, aftercare concepts, and documentation considerations.