Get ready, medical coders! The April 1, 2025, ICD-10-PCS and MS-DRG grouper updates are packed with changes, and you won’t want to miss out! The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a ton of new codes, deletions, and updates across multiple sections of the ICD-10-PCS classification system. This is your guide to navigating the exciting new additions, deletions, and revisions. Buckle up for a deep dive into what’s changing!
🔎 Where to Find the Updates? To make sure you’re up to date with all the changes, head over to the CMS website and grab the latest files here: CMS ICD-10 Updates. The files you’ll find include updated guidelines, indexes, and code tables. There’s also a handy addendum that highlights exactly what’s new, so you can zoom in on the changes that matter most!
Check out the full list of the 50 shiny new ICD-10-PCS codes along with their MS-DRG and OR designations here: ICD-10 MS-DRG Version 42.1 Effective April 1, 2025.
💥 What’s New? What’s Changing?
Let’s break down the highlights for you! The April 1, 2025, updates bring big changes in five key sections. Most notably, the Medical and Surgical and New Technology sections are getting a fresh makeover with new code tables and more!
Here’s a quick look at what’s new:
Total New Codes: 50 🎉
Revised Titles: 2
Deleted Codes: 12
Total Codes after Update: 78,986
Now, let’s take a closer look at the standout changes!
🏥 Medical and Surgical (Section 0)
1. Respiratory System, Bypass (0B1)
What’s New? A new row for bypass procedures from the Trachea to the Esophagus with an Intraluminal Device using an Endoscopic approach. This update brings more granularity to respiratory system procedures!
2. Mouth and Throat, Transplantation (0CY)
What’s New? A new code table for Allogeneic or Syngeneic Larynx Transplantation via an Open approach. A huge leap forward for transplant procedures!
3. Gastrointestinal System, Transfer (0DX)
What’s New? A new qualifier that allows for the Transfer of the Small Intestine to the Vagina—a new level of complexity for GI surgeries!
4. Lower Joints, Fusion (0SG)
What’s Changed? The Coccygeal body part value has been removed—Sacrococcygeal remains. That’s one less option to keep track of!
5. Urinary System, Resection (0TT)
What’s New? A new row with an Open approach for resecting Bilateral Kidneys. Big deal for kidney-related surgeries!
6. Female Reproductive System, Dilation (0U7)
What’s Changed? The Cervix body part is now broken into three new rows, with a Temporary device qualifier for procedures involving balloon catheters and other dilation methods. More flexibility in coding these procedures!
🍼 Obstetrics (Section 1)
1. Pregnancy, Extraction (10D)
What’s New? A new row for Open approach extraction of Retained Products of Conception. This is critical for handling more complex pregnancies!
💉 Administration (Section 3)
1. Physiological Systems and Anatomical Regions, Introduction (3E0)
What’s New? A new qualifier to report the introduction of Concentrated Bone Marrow Aspirate (CBMA) for osteoarthritis treatment. If you’re dealing with joint issues, this update is important!
💥 Radiation Therapy (Section D)
1. Heart and Great Vessels, Stereotactic Radiosurgery (D22)
What’s New? A new table for Heart and Great Vessels, featuring Stereotactic Other Photon Radiosurgery. This table offers fresh options for heart and vessel radiation treatments—great news for cardiology coding!
🔬 New Technology (Section X)
1. Cardiovascular System, Bypass (X2K)
What’s New? A new row for Bypass of the Left Atrium using a conduit through the Coronary Sinus to Right Atrium. This cutting-edge procedure can now be accurately coded percutaneously.
2. Cardiovascular System, Supplement (X2U)
What’s New? A row for inserting an Intraluminal Device (like the TricValve® Transcatheter Valve System) to treat Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency. This is a revolutionary way to handle heart conditions!
3. Bones, Reposition (XNS)
What’s New? A new device—the Ring External Fixation Device with Automated Strut Adjustment—is now available for coding fractures in arms and legs. No more guessing—this device comes with specific body parts and more flexibility!
4. Anatomical Regions, Introduction (XW0)
What’s New? Two new substances for treating veins: Emapalumab-lzsg Anti-IFNy Monoclonal Antibody and Tarlatamab-dlle Antineoplastic. Both belong to New Technology Group 10!
5. Anatomical Regions, Transfusion (XW1)
What’s New? The substance OTL-200 has been replaced with Atidarsagene Autotemcel for transfusions. This is important for coding updates on cell-based therapies!
6. Physiological Systems, Measurement (XXE)
What’s New? A new measurement for Immune Response in Whole Blood Cellular Assessment via Microfluid Deformability—perfect for tracking immune-related treatments.
🔍 Keep Your Files Updated!
Before diving into coding, don’t forget to download the latest guidelines, index, and code tables from the CMS website! These files also include the ICD-10-PCS Character Definitions, making it easy to reference the updated code structures as you code.
💡 Final Thoughts: These updates are not just about adding new codes—they’re about bringing more precision to your work, especially in complex and emerging procedures. Whether you’re coding transplants, heart procedures, or cutting-edge cancer treatments, these changes ensure you’ve got the tools you need for accurate coding.
Stay ahead of the curve—check out the full set of updates, and get ready to code like a pro on April 1, 2025! 💪