ICD-10 C&M Meeting: Understanding the Spirit of the Code

Amid confusion over New Technology codes, much attention was focused on partial knee joint replacements during the recent ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting, March 8 and 9 at CMS headquarters.

The Coordination and Maintenance (C&M) Committee meeting was held March 6 and 7 to discuss potential new codes. The webcasts are posted online for viewing, if you missed it. Our work is not over in this matter. Now is the time for all code users to comment on the proposals.

For ICD-10-CM, the comments are due by May 11, 2018. Please note that the diagnosis codes discussed will not be implemented until Oct. 1, 2019, if accepted. Comments should be sent to nchsicd10CM@cdc.gov.   

For ICD-10-PCS, the comments are due by April 6, 2018. The procedure codes discussed will be implemented Oct. 1, 2018, if accepted. All of the materials and the handouts can be found online at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding/ICD9ProviderDiagnosticCodes/ICD-9-CM-C-and-M-Meeting-Materials.html.

The procedure comments should be emailed to ICDProcedureCodeRequest@cms.hhs.gov. The final diagnosis and procedure code updates for 2019 (i.e., effective Oct. 1, 2018) will be published in June 2018.   

The next C&M meeting will be held Sept. 11 and 12, 2018. Registration for those who want to attend in person can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/events/ approximately one month prior.

There is always something new to learn when attending or watching the C&M meeting. Involvement provides the “spirit” of the codes. The background for each code request is explained. 

This year, there were requests for codes in the New Technology section, but the vendors had not applied for the New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). This situation has led to confusion over the purpose of Section X in ICD-10-PCS. The original purpose of New Technology section was to identify those procedures that qualified for NTAP. Another issue that was introduced this year was confusion regarding the retirement of the New Technology codes.  

The New Technology section was created for ICD-10-PCS codes that had NTAP status, which is granted for two to three years. For 2019, the New Technology qualifier would be New Technology Group 4, which would indicate that New Technology Group 1 would be retired. That action was not discussed at this meeting.

One procedure that generated a lot of discussion was the insertion of the Remede Phrenic Nerve Stimulation System. This procedure is used to treat severe central sleep apnea in adults. There was a debate regarding the need to develop a specific code for phrenic nerve stimulation generation, and the talks expanded to touch on the need to develop codes for specific devices in general. The possibility of rapidly adding procedure codes exists when new codes are added based on very specific devices. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requested input from the audience regarding this topic. 

Another area that attracted attention was a presentation on partial knee joint replacements. Hip and knee arthroplasties are among the most common inpatient procedures performed in the U.S. The request to add and/or revise devices under Replacement in the Lower Joints section include unicondylar (lateral and medial); synthetic substitute; patellofemoral; and articulating spacer. Modular head device was requested to be added to the Supplement root operation under the Lower Joints section.  

In summary, there were many proposals for new diagnosis and procedure codes made during the C&M meeting. More information will be provided over the coming weeks.

Comment on this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Laurie M. Johnson, MS, RHIA, FAHIMA, AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer

Laurie Johnson is currently a senior healthcare consultant for Revenue Cycle Solutions, based in Pittsburgh, Pa. Laurie is an AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer. She has more than 35 years of experience in health information management and specializes in coding and related functions. She has been a featured speaker in over 40 conferences. Laurie is a member of the ICD10monitor editorial board and is a permanent panelist on Talk Ten Tuesdays

Related Stories

Leave a Reply

Please log in to your account to comment on this article.

Featured Webcasts

2026 IPPS Masterclass 3: Master MS-DRG Shifts and NTAPs

2026 IPPS Masterclass Day 3: MS-DRG Shifts and NTAPs

This third session in our 2026 IPPS Masterclass will feature a review of FY26 changes to the MS-DRG methodology and new technology add-on payments (NTAPs), presented by nationally recognized ICD-10 coding expert Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC, with bonus insights and analysis from Dr. James Kennedy.

August 14, 2025
2026 IPPS Masterclass Day 2: Master ICD-10-PCS Changes

2026 IPPS Masterclass Day 2: Master ICD-10-PCS Changes

This second session in our 2026 IPPS Masterclass will feature a review the FY26 changes to ICD-10-PCS codes. This information will be presented by nationally recognized ICD-10 coding expert Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC, with bonus insights and analysis from Dr. James Kennedy.

August 13, 2025
2026 IPPS Masterclass 1: Master ICD-10-CM Changes

2026 IPPS Masterclass Day 1: Master ICD-10-CM Changes

This first session in our 2026 IPPS Masterclass will feature an in-depth explanation of FY26 changes to ICD-10-CM codes and guidelines, CCs/MCCs, and revisions to the MCE, presented by presented by nationally recognized ICD-10 coding expert Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC, with bonus insights and analysis from Dr. James Kennedy.

August 12, 2025

Trending News

Featured Webcasts

The Two-Midnight Rule: New Challenges, Proven Strategies

The Two-Midnight Rule: New Challenges, Proven Strategies

RACmonitor is proud to welcome back Dr. Ronald Hirsch, one of his most requested webcasts. In this highly anticipated session, Dr. Hirsch will break down the complex Two Midnight Rule Medicare regulations, translating them into clear, actionable guidance. He’ll walk you through the basics of the rule, offer expert interpretation, and apply the rule to real-world clinical scenarios—so you leave with greater clarity, confidence, and the tools to ensure compliance.

June 19, 2025
Open Door Forum Webcast Series

Open Door Forum Webcast Series

Bring your questions and join the conversation during this open forum series, live every Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST from June 11–July 30. Hosted by Chuck Buck, these fast-paced 30-minute sessions connect you directly with top healthcare experts tackling today’s most urgent compliance and policy issues.

June 11, 2025
Open Door Forum: The Changing Face of Addiction: Coding, Compliance & Care

Open Door Forum: The Changing Face of Addiction: Coding, Compliance & Care

Substance abuse is everywhere. It’s a complicated diagnosis with wide-ranging implications well beyond acute care. The face of addiction continues to change so it’s important to remember not just the addict but the spectrum of extended victims and the other social determinants and legal ramifications. Join John K. Hall, MD, JD, MBA, FCLM, FRCPC, for a critical Q&A on navigating substance abuse in 2025.  Register today and be a part of the conversation!

July 16, 2025

Trending News

Prepare for the 2025 CMS IPPS Final Rule with ICD10monitor’s IPPSPalooza! Click HERE to learn more

Get 15% OFF on all educational webcasts at ICD10monitor with code JULYFOURTH24 until July 4, 2024—start learning today!

CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24