13 Jul A Simple 2019 ICD-10-CM Code Updates Guide That Will Help You Succeed
Is your eye care EHR and practice management software ready for 2019 ICD-10-CM (diagnosis) code updates? Does your EHR software provide automatic ICD-10 updates and have a keyword searchable database to help you find codes without committing them to memory?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has already released the 2019 ICD-10-CM code changes. Since these changes were released earlier than last year, this is great news for you and your staff. You can get a head start by making sure your eye care software is ready for the October 1, 2018 updates. Here’s everything you need to know about ICD-10-CM code updates, so you can succeed.
How You Can Prepare for 2019 ICD-10-CM Codes
The first step you need to take in preparation for the 2019 ICD-10-CM codes is the most important one: make time.
Staying current with ICD-10-CM codes matters for the success of your eye care practice, as knowing this information inside and out will help you avoid delays in optometry and ophthalmology claims processing or denied claims.
We know how busy you and your staff are, so we made ICD-10-CM code updates easy for you to execute. Before the end of September, follow these steps to prepare for the October 1, 2018 code changes.
- Review and become familiar with the new ICD-10-CM codes.
- Add new codes to your “favorites” list. Most eye care EHR and practice management systems allow you to save favorites. While this is a huge time saver, be careful when using “copy from previous” as many EHR and practice management systems will copy over removed codes.
- Review EHR plans, assessments, and documents that were mapped from old codes to new codes. In MaximEyes EHR, you can use built-in coding wizards that suggest codes, documents, and plans that are based on the patient exam data you enter in the exam form. You can even create pop-up alerts and automate tasks based on certain conditions or exam findings.
- Review and update “code rules” you created in your EHR that are affected by the new and deleted 2019 codes. Build your own rules in MaxmEyes EHR and automate favorite diagnosis codes—this will save tremendous time when you finalize an exam.
- Check with your optometry and ophthalmology industry associations for specific coding changes and resources.
What’s New, Different, or Deleted with ICD-10-CM Codes in 2019
October 1, 2018, ICD-10-CM code changes are the third mandated updates since ICD-10 codes went live on October 1, 2015. ICD-10-CM codes are divided into 21 chapters and are based on code subjects.
For the 2019 updates, there are 92 new codes, 22 deleted codes, and 8 revised codes for eye-specific patient encounters occurring from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019. Claims that have a service date of September 30, 2018, or earlier, must use the 2018 codes.
2019 ICD-10-CM codes changes affect Chapter 2 (Neoplasms), Chapter 6 (Diseases of the Nervous System), and Chapter 7 (Diseases of the Eye and Adnexa).
Most of the 2019 ICD-10-CM code changes provide greater specificity for eyelids by adding an upper/lower distinction for diagnoses. If you report eyelid neoplasms and diseases of the eye and adnexa, always document if the upper or lower eyelid is involved. Examples include:
- C43.111 (Malignant melanoma of right upper eyelid, including canthus)
- D03.112 (Melanoma in situ of skin of right lower eyelid, including canthus)
- H02.151 (Paralytic ectropion of right upper eyelid)
Embedded ICD-10 Tools in EHR Software Keeps You on Top of Code Updates
The best EHR and practice management systems should provide automatic ICD-10 code updates. On October 1, 2018, MaximEyes software will automatically start using the new ICD-10-CM codes with an embedded Intelligent Medical Objects (IMO) integration.
There’s no need to worry about ICD-10 updates in MaximEyes—it’s a breeze with our intelligent ICD Selection Tool. Easily find and select ICD-10 codes, then let this powerful tool automatically prompt you for modifiers if you forget any. This searchable database helps you find codes without having to know them by heart. Request an online demo.
Get Ready to Succeed with This 2019 ICD-10-CM Guide
When you invest in MaximEyes EHR and practice management software, your relationship with us is just the beginning. Our main goal is to simplify processes that will empower you and your staff.
Because we want you and your staff to have the resources you need to stay current with the 2019 ICD-10-CM codes, we’re making it easy for you to download our free 2019 ICD-10-CM Eye-Specific Code Updates Guide. And when we say easy, we mean easy—no contact information or form required! This simple guide includes a list of the new, deleted, and revised eye-specific ICD-10-CM codes for 2019.
