Accurate diagnosis coding is essential when providing wound care. This can include primary, secondary, and sometimes even tertiary diagnoses. When a comorbid condition contributes to the care of a wound care patient, it may be appropriate to list the ICD-10 code representing that comorbid condition on the claim form. There are major changes this year to ICD-10 codes representing two diagnoses that may present as comorbid conditions of chronic wounds, eosinophilia, and chronic kidney disease.
Eosinophilia Code Change
The diagnosis of eosinophilia used to be represented by the ICD-10 code, D72.1. However, this is no longer a complete or valid code and should not be used again. D72.1 is now a code stem and requires additional characters to complete the code. In some instances, a 5th, and potentially a 6th character, is required to complete the code. The new, complete eosinophilia code options are:
D72.10 Eosinophilia, unspecified
D72.110 Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome [IHES]
D72.111 Lymphocytic Variant Hypereosinophilic Syndrome [LHES]
D72.118 Other hypereosinophilic syndrome
D72.119 Hypereosinophilic syndrome [HES], unspecified
D72.12 Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome
D72.18 Eosinophilia in diseases classified elsewhere
D72.19 Other eosinophilia
Chronic Kidney Disease Code Change
The diagnosis of Stage 3 chronic kidney disease used to be represented by ICD-10 code, N18.3. However, this is no longer a complete or valid code and should not be used again. N18.3 is now a code stem and requires additional characters to complete the code. In some instances, a 5th, and potentially a 6th character, is required to complete the code. The new, complete Stage 3 chronic kidney disease code options are:
N18.30 Chronic kidney disease, stage 3 unspecified
N18.31 Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a
N18.32 Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b
Conclusion
The ICD-10 codes for eosinophilia and Stage 3 kidney disease have changed. These are diagnoses that may play a role in wound care. When using the ICD-10 codes for these diagnoses, be sure to use the new, complete codes.
References
ICD-10-CM Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries 2021 Addenda
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is intended to educate health care providers regarding compliance with ICD, CPT, and HCPCS coding. The information provided does not guarantee reimbursement and is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of this publication. Coding guidelines can change and we encourage you to stay up to date. The existence of a code does not guarantee payment.
Dr. Jeffrey D. Lehrman, DPM, FASPS, MAPWCA, CPC, CPMA
Dr. Lehrman is a podiatrist practicing in Fort Collins, CO and operates Lehrman Consulting, LLC which provides consultation services regarding coding, compliance and documentation. Dr. Lehrman is a Certified Professional Coder and Certified Professional Medical Auditor. He serves as a staff liaison at the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel meetings where CPT codes are created, edited, and deleted. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Fellow of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons, and is recognized as a “Master” by the American Professional Wound Care Association. Dr Lehrman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Past Director of the American Professional Wound Care Association Board of Directors, and is a Past Chairman of the Board of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. Dr. Lehrman is also on the editorial advisory board of the journal WOUNDS.
