Code Word on New ICD-10

BALTIMORE — In preparation for the switch from the current ICD-9 diagnosis codes to the new ICD-10 code set on Oct. 1, 2013, CMS said last week it would implement a partial freeze on new codes.

The last regular update to the ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes will be made on Oct. 1, 2011. After that, only limited code updates will be made to both code sets to capture new technology and new diseases. Following the 2013 cutover, regular updates to ICD-10 will begin on Oct. 1, 2014.

While there are some 14,000 diagnosis codes and 4,000 procedure codes under the ICD-9 system, there will be 69,000 diagnosis codes and 72,000 procedure codes under the new ICD-10 classification.