Supporting the Physiatrist, Strengthening the Specialty

Your Academy is excited to share that on June 30, 2021, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced ICD-10 code U09.9 Post COVID-19 condition, unspecified was approved for implementation effective October 1, 2021.  AAPM&R has actively advocated in favor of specific ICD-10 coding for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 as a critical step for long term patient care as well as for tracking and research purposes.  Our advocacy efforts have included a letter to the NCHS as well as the recently approved AMA House of Delegates Resolution. 

In addition to urging the approval of code U09.9, your Academy advocated for early adoption of the code prior to the typical October 1 release.  Unfortunately, the NCHS has chosen to maintain its typical code implementation schedule and the code cannot be used on claims until October 1.  In the coming months prior to official implementation U09.9, the CDC has encouraged providers to use B94.8 Sequelae of other specified infectious and parasitic diseases as a temporary alternative to the more specific U09.9 code.  

Your Academy is excited to share that on June 30, 2021, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced ICD-10 code U09.9 Post COVID-19 condition, unspecified was approved for implementation effective October 1, 2021.  AAPM&R has actively advocated in favor of specific ICD-10 coding for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 as a critical step for long term patient care as well as for tracking and research purposes.  Our advocacy efforts have included a letter to the NCHS as well as the recently approved AMA House of Delegates Resolution. 

In addition to urging the approval of code U09.9, your Academy advocated for early adoption of the code prior to the typical October 1 release.  Unfortunately, the NCHS has chosen to maintain its typical code implementation schedule and the code cannot be used on claims until October 1.  In the coming months prior to official implementation U09.9, the CDC has encouraged providers to use B94.8 Sequelae of other specified infectious and parasitic diseases as a temporary alternative to the more specific U09.9 code.