DIAGNOSIS CODING: Tell CMS Where Decubitus Ulcers Hurt Starting October

Why This Topic Matters

The piece matters because it describes upcoming ICD-9 changes that require timely implementation and may affect how specific diagnoses are captured in claims and records. It also places the update in the context of broader annual code-set maintenance and coding workflow readiness.

Article Sections

1. Implementation timing and no grace period

   Introduces the effective date of the update and the need to switch code sets on schedule. It frames the article as a preview of upcoming diagnosis coding changes.

2. Overview of ICD-9 diagnosis code updates for 2005

   Summarizes the general scope of the annual diagnosis code update and notes that multiple clinical areas were affected. It also identifies the source organizations involved in issuing the changes.

3. Gynecological chapter expansions

   Describes changes within the gynecological section of the diagnosis code set, including expanded coverage for certain pelvic conditions. The section emphasizes that this area received a notable increase in specificity.

4. Decubitus ulcer code expansion

   Discusses the added diagnosis codes related to pressure ulcers and the broader purpose of the expansion. The section explains why this area was revised and how the update fits into the larger diagnosis code revision.

5. Genetic anomalies and susceptibility V-codes

   Covers additional diagnosis code updates related to genetic findings and supplemental V-code categories. It highlights that the changes also affect reporting for certain hereditary risk situations.