News: 2017 ICD-10-CM update adds diagnoses, specificity for lower GI tract conditions

The 2017 updates to ICD-10-CM included many additions to the digestive system diagnoses, especially with codes for pancreatitis and intestinal infections. The codes largely focus on the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, according to an article published in Just Coding. Reviewing the anatomy of the GI tract will likely help coders, CDI professionals, and providers improve their documentation and code selections. 

The added specificity in ICD-10 codes lend themselves to more accurate and complete documentation. The updates relating to the lower GI tract are no different. While the added detail can lead to better documentation and quality, it also comes with a need for further and more complete clinical education regarding this body system.

A better understanding of the anatomy of the small intestine, large intestine, the entire lower GI tract, and the pancreas are necessary for correctly applying the codes in the 2017 ICD-10-CM updates. For more information, read the overview, published by Just Coding, here.