Dermatology Coding Changes With ICD-10

Although implementation of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) has been postponed, do not feel an overwhelming sense of relief. It appears that ICD-10-CM is imminent, and this delay will give us more time to plan. Ideally, knowledge of the code changes will help dermatologists to document more appropriately within the confines of ICD-10-CM. Once the transition to ICD-10-CM takes place, the hope is to accomplish the intended goal of better epidemiological recordkeeping in health care. Although a list of the codes and subcategories are in the ICD-10-CM Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries, this column will serve as a primer on new codes as well as changes to some general codes that dermatologists should understand.