Get ready for some important ICD-10-CM updates that are sure to keep you on your toes! While CMS has announced there will be no brand-new ICD-10-CM codes introduced on April 1, 2025, don’t tune out just yet – they’ve released key diagnosis code update files for discharges and patient encounters from April 1 through September 30, 2025! These updates focus on revisions and corrections of some typographical errors to help keep your coding precise and accurate. Here’s the lowdown on what’s changing:
Key Highlights of the April 2025 ICD-10-CM Addenda Updates:
Chapter 1 – Infectious Diseases
Tuberculosis (A15-A19)
- New Add-on: If cachexia (E88.A) is associated with tuberculosis, make sure to use an additional code!
Chapter 4 – Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic Diseases
Hypopituitarism (E23.0)
- New Add-on: Don’t forget to use an additional code for any associated cachexia (E88.A), if applicable.
Chapter 10 – Respiratory Diseases
Pneumoconiosis associated with tuberculosis (J65)
- New Add-on: As with other conditions, add code for associated cachexia (E88.A) if it applies.
Chapter 11 – Digestive Diseases
Fecal Impaction (K56.41)
- Update Alert: Excludes1 for constipation (K59.0-) is deleted – keep an eye on this for clean coding!
Hepatic Failure (K72)
- New Add-on: Use additional code for ascites (R18.8) if applicable.
Chronic Hepatitis (K73)
- New Add-on: Same as above – use an additional code for ascites (R18.8).
Short Bowel Syndrome (K90.82)
- Excludes1: Now includes postsurgical malabsorption (K91.2) to ensure accurate coding!
Short Bowel Syndrome without Colon (K90.822)
- New Add-on: For those with colostomy status, be sure to use additional code for colostomy status (Z93.3)!
Chapter 14 – Genitourinary Diseases
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (N18)
- Big Change: The code to identify kidney transplant status (Z94.0) is deleted. Instead, be sure to use codes for both cachexia (E88.A) and kidney transplant status (Z94.0) if applicable.
Chapter 15 – Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (O26.64)
- New Add-on: Be sure to use an additional code for hepatic obstruction (K76.89)!
Chapter 19 – Injury, Poisoning, and External Causes
Injury and Poisoning (S00-T88)
- Important Update: Excludes1 for birth and obstetric trauma (P10-P15 and O70-O71) is removed and now listed as Excludes2 – a subtle but essential update to prevent miscodes.
Why It Matters: These changes are not just technical – they’re here to help make your coding process smoother and more precise, ensuring accurate reporting and better care for patients.
As a medical coder, staying on top of these updates will ensure you’re always on point with the latest guidelines. Take note of these revisions, and don’t let the updates catch you by surprise. Happy coding!