Healthcare News: CMS updates ICD-10-PCS coding guidelines for 2018

Why This Topic Matters

The update affects how inpatient procedural coding guidance is applied for the 2018 reporting year and helps coders stay aligned with CMS-issued instructions and timing.

Article Sections

1. CMS releases 2018 ICD-10-PCS guidelines

   Overview of the 2018 guideline release and the context in which the update was issued. The section also notes related CMS materials and timing.

2. New guideline B4.1c

   Introduction of a new guideline addressing procedures performed on continuous tubular body parts. A brief example is included to illustrate the type of scenario discussed.

3. Revisions to guidelines B3.3, B3.7, and B6.1a

   Summary of several revised ICD-10-PCS guidelines affecting discontinued procedures, control of bleeding, and device-related reporting. The section includes examples and explanatory language from CMS.

4. Availability and effective date

   Closing information about where the updated materials are available and when the guidance becomes effective.