The ICD-10-PCS code changes for 10/1/2017 contain over 3,500 new codes. These new codes focus on correcting deficiencies in providing specific options for various character values in a variety of procedures. Many of the new codes will invalidate and nullify previous Coding Clinic advice for specific code assignment when the exact character value was not available. A majority of the new codes can be summarized as follows:
- The root operation “Extraction” has been added to several body systems to capture additional detail, including non-excisional debridement:
- Respiratory System
- Gastrointestinal System
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Head & Facial Bones
- Upper Bones
- Lower Bones
- The root operation “Replacement” has been added to several body systems to capture additional detail for reconstruction procedures using graft material:
- Central Nervous System
- Peripheral Nervous System
- Respiratory System
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Bursae & Ligaments
- A device character “Y – Other Device” has been added to the root operations that involve a device (Change, Drainage, Insertion, Removal, and Revision) in almost every Body System
- Additional approach values have been added to provide character values for the specific approach. For example, the approach value “8 Via Natural or Artificial Opening Endoscopic” has been added to the root operation “Occlusion” for banding of an esophageal vein performed by EGD.
- As a final note there are many changes in the Heart & Great Vessels body system to provide more exact body parts and qualifiers to allow specific reporting for surgical repair of congenital heart defects.