ICD-10 codes are routinely updated, revised, and sometimes, discontinued.
If one is discontinued, it will be based on the date of service.
- For example, if you are using ICD-10 N18.3 for a patient and see in the image below that the code has been discontinued as of 10/01/2020. It will still be a valid code for dates of service up to 9/30/2020, but beginning on 10/01/2020 it will be invalid.
- To use a form of the code, you must specify an additional digit.
Within the DrChrono EHR, the ICD code search will flag discontinued codes with a "Removed since YYYY-MM-DD" message.
When you receive the "removed" or "discontinued" message for a claim after the discontinuation date, you will need to select a different, more specific code for the claim to be accepted by the payer.