October 1, 2016 will mark the end of the ICD-10 partial code freeze. Since the implementation of ICD-10 on October 1, 2015, there has been a partial code freeze, with new ICD-10 codes only being added to represent new technologies. The last regularly scheduled annual update for ICD-9-CM and ICD-10 code sets occurred on October 1, 2011.

The first code update will include a backlog of proposed changes processed during the partial code freeze.  While the updates to ICD-10-CM/PCS have yet to be finalized and approved, the CMS March 2016 ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting highlighted 3,651 new procedures codes, 1,928 new diagnosis codes and 487 code revisions for fiscal year 2017. The final update will be released in September 2016.

During this time, we encourage HIM and revenue cycle departments to:

• Review the proposed changes,
• Submit comment to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and
• Start developing a training program and schedule training dates, for organizations that provide coder training.

For more information regarding the Committee meeting and key dates, please visit the CMS website.