COVID cases worldwide approached a million in number as April began.

Two new codes became effective for use on April 1; first, U07.1 (COVID-19) may be used for discharges and outpatient dates of service of April 1 and later.  

This code should be used so that COVID-19 cases can be identified. It is important to identify all such cases, as the federal and state governments are updating waivers for the pandemic. In some cases, co-payments may be waived. Also, remember to capture those cases for which patients are exposed to potential and confirmed cases of COVID-19 by using the coding guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   

The global numbers, as of April 1:

  • WorldConfirmed Cases: 932,605
    • Deaths: 46,805
  • United StatesConfirmed Cases: 213,372
    • Deaths: 4,757

Another code that became effective April 1 is U07.0 for the e-cigarette/vaping associated lung injury (EVALI). This is the lung condition associated with Vitamin E acetate in vaping products. The coding instructions are to also assign codes for manifestations, such as abdominal pain, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or lipoid pneumonia.

The CDC has released the addendum for the Index and Tabular for the two new codes. There has been some discussion about U07.2, which would capture cases for which COVID-19 testing is inconclusive. This code has been presented and adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for ICD-10, but it has not been adopted for ICD-10-CM. The release of this code was too close to the Coordination and Maintenance Committee Meeting in March for the CDC to present the code for adoption.  

One question that has been posed is whether COVID-19 will always be the principal diagnosis. The recently released update to the Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines is that when COVID-19 meets the definition of principal diagnosis, then it should be listed as such. The exception to this guideline is for obstetrics cases. Another question that has been posed has to do with presumptive positive cases. This update has documented that presumptive positive cases should be coded as confirmed.

Another topic related to COVID-19 and EVALI is that your facility-specific coding guidelines should be updated to incorporate these two new conditions. Your guidelines should include which documentation is used to support COVID-19 cases, and if you have developed a special field or flag to identify these cases.

Provide education to coders regarding COVID-19 and EVALI coding. It is important to have a discussion with coding and clinical documentation specialists to determine where the documentation or coding gaps may be. It will be important to include the medical staff as you create a query template that can be used for these new diagnoses, based on that discussion.       

Also remember to update your chargemaster for the COVID-19 CPT® and HCPCS codes. Pricing has been published for these items.     

As we start the second quarter of 2020, remember to update all the coding and billing information and tools for COVID-19 and EVALI.

Stay safe!

Programming Note: Listen to Laurie Johnson report this story live today during Talk Ten Tuesdays, 10-10:30 a.m. EST.

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

Coding the Deadly COVID

Coding the Deadly COVID

While it is not in the news on a daily basis any longer, COVID has not gone away. Since the start of the pandemic, we

Read More

Leave a Reply

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

Featured Webcasts

The Cost of Ignoring Risk Adjustment: How HCCs Impact Revenue & Compliance

The Cost of Ignoring Risk Adjustment: How HCCs Impact Revenue & Compliance

Stop revenue leakage and boost hospital performance by mastering risk adjustment and HCCs. This essential webcast with expert Cheryl Ericson, RN, MS, CCDS, CDIP, will reveal how inaccurate patient acuity documentation leads to lost reimbursements through penalties from poor quality scores. Learn the critical differences between HCCs and traditional CCs/MCCs, adapt your CDI workflows, and ensure accurate payments in Medicare Advantage and value-based care models. Perfect for HIM leaders, coders, and CDI professionals.  Don’t miss this chance to protect your hospital’s revenue and reputation!

May 29, 2025
I050825

Mastering ICD-10-CM Coding for Diabetes and it’s Complications: Avoiding Denials & Ensuring Compliance

Struggling with ICD-10-CM coding for diabetes and complications? This expert-led webcast clarifies complex combination codes, documentation gaps, and sequencing rules to reduce denials and ensure compliance. Dr. Angela Comfort will provide actionable strategies to accurately link diabetes to complications, improve provider documentation, and optimize reimbursement—helping coders, CDI specialists, and HIM leaders minimize audit risks and strengthen revenue integrity. Don’t miss this chance to master diabetes coding with real-world case studies, key takeaways, and live Q&A!

May 8, 2025
2025 Coding Clinic Webcast Series

2025 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic Update Webcast Series

Uncover critical guidance. HIM coding expert, Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, provides an interactive review on important information in each of the AHA’s 2025 ICD-10-CM/PCS Quarterly Coding Clinics in easy-to-access on-demand webcasts, available shortly after each official publication.

April 14, 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