Analyzing the April 1st, 2022 ICD-10-CM/PCS Updates
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule, published on August 2, 2021, the adoption of a second implementation date of April 1st for code updates. This date was previously used for implementing diagnosis and/or procedure codes needed to describe new technologies and medical services for potential add-on payment. The updates for this second implementation date will be announced in November of the prior year and as promised CMS released the new CM and PCS codes effective with discharges beginning April 1, 2022.
The ICD-10-CM updates regard capturing COVID-19 vaccination status. Underimmunization for COVID-19 is a significant risk factor in catching the illness. As you can imagine, being able to collect data during a pandemic is critical in preparing for future health crises. Tracking people seeking healthcare who are unimmunized or partially immunized will help with clinical research not to mention enhance public health safety. A new subcategory Z28.31- titled “Underimmunization for COVID-19 status” was developed to capture this data. The table below demonstrates the new ICD-10-CM tabular section. (CMS, 2021)
These three new codes will not have an impact on the MS-DRG calculation as they are designated non-comorbid conditions (non-CC).
The ICD-10-PCS code updates are regarding COVID-19 as well. Currently, there are procedure codes for the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of April 1st, there will be codes for a third dose as well as an option for a booster. These new codes appear in the New Technology, Anatomical Region, Introduction (XW0) PCS table and are listed below.
XW013V7 Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 3 into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
XW013W7 Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine booster into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
XW023V7 Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 3 into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
XW023W7 Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine booster into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
The graphic below identifies these codes in table form.
Since these new vaccine codes are designated non-O.R., they will not have an impact on the MS-DRG calculation. Medicare reminds us that they will pay for COVID-19 vaccinations administered to beneficiaries in an inpatient setting using CPT codes. As of January 1, 2022, specific manufacturer vaccine CPT codes went into effect. Facilities should make sure their chargemasters are updated with the codes listed below.
0001A Administration Pfizer first dose
0002A; Pfizer second dose
Report with Pfizer vaccine 91300
0011A Administration Moderna first dose
0012A; Moderna second dose
Report with Moderna vaccine 91301
0021A Administration of AstraZeneca first dose
0022A; AstraZeneca second dose
Report with AstraZeneca vaccine 91302
0022A Administration Janssen single dose
Report with Janssen vaccine 91303
0041A Administration Noravax first dose
0042A; Noravax second dose
Report with Noravax vaccine 91304
For additional assistance refer to the American Medical Association CPT® 2022 professional edition code book appendix Q. This appendix provides links to the individual vaccine product code and their associated administration code, manufacturer name, vaccine name, national drug code, and dosage intervals. (AMA, 2022)
The last of the April 1st updates involves the administration of fostamatinib to the arsenal of medications such as remdesivir (antiviral) and dexamethasone (broad acting steroid) to treat COVID-19 symptoms. Marketed as Tavalisse®, fostamatinib is an oral spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor and has shown to inhibit a unique type of cell death associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients. SYK inhibits neutrophils and platelets making it effective in decreasing thromboinflammation and potential organ dysfunction in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Fostamatinib is administered orally or if that isn’t possible through an enteral feeding tube. (Hue, 2021) More on the science of this medication can be found in the ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee September 14, 2021, meeting minutes located on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) website.
These new PCS codes are listed below.
XW0DXR7 Introduction of fostamatinib into mouth and pharynx, external approach, new technology group 7
XW0G7R7 Introduction of fostamatinib into upper GI, via natural or artificial opening, new technology group 7
XW0H7R7 Introduction of fostamatinib into lower GI, via natural or artificial opening, new technology group 7
The graphic below identifies these codes in table form.
The above codes are also designated non-O.R. and will not impact MS-DRG assignment.
In Conclusion, the April 1st release cycle will have a phased in approach with limited code updates and CMS does not feel there will be a need for new code books. In this article I have only mentioned code updates, but coding guidelines may also be updated. The November notification date will give us plenty of time to educate coding professionals, clinical documentation improvement professionals, and physicians ensuring a smooth transition.
References
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, (2021, November 16). DRG classifications and software. CMS.gov. Retrieved January 12, 2022, Download “ICD-10-DRGs V39.1 Effective April 1, 2022 (ZIP)”, “Web announcement_ ICD-10_MS-DRG_V39.1 New Diagnosis codes and )”, “Web announcement_ ICD-10_MS-DRG_V39.1 New procedure codes from
Hue, M., Andrea Hazeley, (2021, September 14). ICD-10 coordination and Maintenance Committee ... - cms.gov.
American Medical Association. (2022). AMA CPT® Professional 2022.
