ICD-10-CM Code Updates: New Codes and Key Changes

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ICD-10-CM: The Updates That Really Matter

Article Reference Code: NAMAS.10.02.2026

Written By: Brenda Edwards, CPC, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CRC, CPMS, CMRS, CMCS, CEMA, CPA-EDU, CPA-RA, CPA-SA

Do you anxiously look forward to receiving that email letting you know that the new codes are available for ICD-10-CM? It makes me think of an old movie “The Jerk” when Steve Martin ran out of the house saying, “The new phone book is here, the new phone book is here, I’m somebody!” That is how I feel when I find out the materials are available to create and share the changes. The new code set is here, the new code set is here, time to create the updates!

Ok, now that I have your attention and you are as excited as me, here is the low-down…this is a relatively small update, compared to previous years. Does that mean we have a code for every condition? No, there will always be room to grow the code set.

This year we will find 190 new, 30 deleted, and 4 revised codes. Compared to last year, 487 new, 28 deleted and 38 revised codes, that is a much lighter load of new codes.

What will you find in the updates? Here are a few highlights:

No changes in 7 chapters (chapters 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, and 20).
Chapter 19 (Injury, Poisoning, and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes) has the most new codes at 44. Chapter 15 (Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium) is in second place with 31, and Chapter 13 (Diseases of the Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue) coming in third with 31.
For the first time that I can recall, there are no new, deleted, or revised codes in Chapter 20 (External Causes of Morbidity).

Chapter 9 (Diseases of Circulatory System) expands dilated cardiomyopathy to include codes for congestive, familial-genetic, arrhythmogenic, and other nonfamilial dilated cardiomyopathy.

Chapter 19 (Injury, Poisoning, and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes) adds more specificity to T52.8- toxic effects of organic solvents, with categories for the type of solvent, and intent (accidental, intentional, assault, adverse effect, and underdosing).

Chapter 13 expands the category for Other Osteomyelitis by adding site and laterality. This brings 24 additional codes for shoulder, upper arm, forearm, hand, thigh, lower leg, and ankle/foot.

Chapter 15 (Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium) increases specificity for tubal (ectopic) pregnancy by adding codes for interstitial, cesarean scar, cervical scar, and cornual ectopic pregnancies. Each has a subcategory for with or without intrauterine pregnancy.

Chapter 21 (Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services) expands Z87.890- to include further specificity in the personal history of sex assignment category.

You do not want to stop at just the code updates. Remember to also look for revisions and corrections in language in the codes. You will find corrections in typographical errors, extra words, and changes from Excludes1 to Excludes 2 instructions.

Rounding out the information you need to review are the changes that occur in the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.

Happy reading!

Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn by Clicking her Name Below:

Brenda Edwards, CPC, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CRC, CPMS, CMRS, CMCS, CEMA, CPA-EDU, CPA-RA, CPA-SA

Brenda has been involved in the healthcare arena for over 35 years with experience in chart audit, coding and billing, education, consulting, practice management and compliance. She has worked closely with practices, providers and residency programs to ensure documentation is compliant and accurate.

Brenda has written many articles for national publications including Healthcare Business Monthly, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and BC Advantage. Her humorous and engaging presentation style has made her a conference favorite at national and regional conferences for AAPC, AMBA, and Decision Health as well as local chapter meetings across the country.

Brenda has been a national advisory board member for AMBA since 2018. She served on the AAPC Chapter Association Board of Directors from 2010-2014 and held office as Chair. She has been intimately involved in the development and continuation of the Hardship Program for AAPC. Mentoring fellow members of AAPC and AMBA is a passion for her. She is co-founder of the northeast Kansas (NEKAAPC) AAPC chapter and has served many offices.

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