The FY21 ICD-10-CM codes were released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on July 1, 2020. The new and updated diagnosis codes are another part of the preparation for FY21 which begins on October 1, 2020.
The final codes were very similar to the diagnosis codes that were released earlier this year. There are 490 new codes. Included in these diagnosis changes are:
With the new diagnosis codes, there have been numerous updates to spelling and punctuation in the Index and Tabular.
The updates to the ICD-10-CM Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines were also released. Many of the changes to the guidelines include the coding of COVID-19. The updates related to coronavirus also impact Pregnancy and Newborn guidelines. The narrative changes are in bold text and the underlines indicate items that were moved within the guidelines. Other changes include the incorporation of the previously released guideline on vaping-related disorders. The guideline I.B.14 has been updated to address additional information that has been relayed by the patient for social determinants of health. The updated guideline states that patient-reported information may be used for social determinants of health if the provider signs the documentation.
The release of the diagnosis and inpatient procedure codes is not the complete picture for preparation for FY21. The Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule for FY21 finishes the picture. The final rule includes updates to the comorbid/complication status (CC and MCC), changes to the operating room code status, a revision to the Medicare Code Editor (MCEs), and New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) items.
In preparation for the final rule, get familiar with the new diagnosis and procedure codes, and understand how and if they impact your facility coding. Research where the documentation is found in the electronic medical record. Review the new codes to determine if they impact the clinical documentation query templates. The templates can be updated to be effective on October 1, 2020. Another preparation task is to update the facility-specific coding guidelines. The update will not be final until the changes to the New Technology items have been identified. This is the first education on the new codes for the coders and clinical documentation specialists.
Preparation for the new fiscal year is more than the new diagnosis and procedure codes. It includes understanding the MS-DRG changes and operational impacts.
Resources:
https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding/ICD10/Downloads/2020-Coding-Guidelines.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd/icd10cm.htm
A current movement within the clinical revenue cycle is putting utilization review and clinical documentation integrity (CDI) under the same reporting structure. There are many
Last week MedLearn Media published an article by Bryan Nordley titled “Defend Against IR Dialysis Circuit Denials: Expert Coding Tips to Promote Success in 2026.”
Please log in to your account to comment on this article.
Uncover essential coding insights with nationally recognized coding authority Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS. Through ICD10monitor’s interactive, on‑demand webcast series, Kay walks you through the AHA’s 2026 ICD‑10‑CM/PCS Quarterly Coding Clinics, translating each update into practical, easy‑to‑apply guidance designed to sharpen precision, ensure compliance, and strengthen day‑to‑day decision‑making. Available shortly after each official release.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s fourth quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s third quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s second quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Federal auditors are intensifying their focus on inpatient psychiatric facilities, using advanced data analytics to spotlight outliers and pursue high‑dollar repayments. In this high‑impact webcast, Michael Calahan, PA, MBA, Compliance Officer and V.P., Hospital & Physician Compliance, breaks down what regulators are really targeting in IPF-PPS admissions, documentation, treatment and discharge planning. Attendees will learn practical steps to tighten processes, avoid common audit triggers and protect reimbursement and reduce the risk of multimillion-dollar repayment demands.
In this timely session, Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS-P, CPEDC, COPC, breaks down the complexities of Medical Decision Making (MDM) documentation so providers can confidently capture the true complexity of their care. Attendees will learn practical, efficient strategies to ensure documentation aligns with current E/M guidelines, supports accurate coding, and reduces audit risk, all without adding to charting time.
Join Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM for The PEPPER Returns – Risk and Opportunity at Your Fingertips, a practical webcast that demystifies the PEPPER and shows you how to turn complex claims data into actionable insights. Dr. Hirsch will explain how to interpret key measures, identify compliance risks, uncover missed revenue opportunities, and understand new updates in the PEPPER, all to help your organization stay ahead of audits and use this powerful data proactively.
Stay ahead of the 2026-2027 audit surge with “Top 10 Audit Targets for 2026-2027 for Hospitals & Physicians: Protect Your Revenue,” a high-impact webcast led by Michael Calahan, PA, MBA. This concise session gives hospitals and physicians clear insight into the most likely federal audit targets, such as E/M services, split/shared and critical care, observation and admissions, device credits, and Two-Midnight Rule changes, and shows how to tighten documentation, coding, and internal processes to reduce denials, recoupments, and penalties. Attendees walk away with practical best practices to protect revenue, strengthen compliance, and better prepare their teams for inevitable audits.
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. 1 with code CYBER25
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24
