Speech-Language Pathology ICD-10-CM Code Changes for 2021
The following new and revised ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) codes were effective October 1, 2020, for fiscal year (FY) 2021. ICD-10-CM codes are updated annually. For current updates, see speech-language pathology ICD-10-CM code changes for 2023.
There were no major changes to ICD-10 codes directly related to speech, language, cognitive, voice, or swallowing disorders for FY 2021. However, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) should be aware of new ICD-10 codes related to COVID-19, which were published off-cycle in 2020 and 2021.
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FY 2021 Updates
The following new codes were effective October 1, 2020. There were no revised or deleted codes related to speech, language, cognitive, voice, or swallowing disorders for 2021.
New ICD-10-CM Codes
SLPs may be interested in the following new codes. Consult the medical record or referring physician before reporting a medical diagnosis in addition to the treating diagnosis.
K20.80 Other esophagitis without bleeding
Abscess of esophagus
Other esophagitis NOS
K20.81 Other esophagitis with bleeding
K20.90 Esophagitis, unspecified without bleeding
Esophagitis NOS
K20.91 Esophagitis, unspecified with bleeding
K21.00 Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, without bleeding
Reflux esophagitis
K21.01 Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, with bleeding
2020 and 2021 Off-Cycle COVID-19 Updates
The following ICD-10-CM codes describe conditions related to or caused by COVID-19. They were published outside of the annual update cycle to allow more accurate reporting during the current COVID-19 public health emergency. Consult the medical record or referring physician before reporting a medical diagnosis in addition to the treating diagnosis. For additional details, see FAQs Regarding ICD-10-CM Coding for COVID-19 (AHA).
New 2020 ICD-10-CM Codes
The following code was effective April 1, 2020.
U07.1 COVID-19
New 2021 ICD-10-CM Codes
The following codes were effective January 1, 2021.
J12.82 Pneumonia due to coronavirus disease 2019
M35.81 Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS)
M35.89 Other specified systemic involvement of connective tissue
Z11.52 Encounter for screening for COVID-19
Z20.822 Contact with and (suspected) exposure to COVID-19
Z86.16 Personal history of COVID-19
ASHA Notes
- For confirmed active cases of COVID-19, use U07.1.
- Code the associated speech, language, cognitive, voice, or swallowing disorder secondary to U07.1 when the disorder is directly caused by, but is not inherent to, COVID-19.
- Don’t separately code respiratory conditions (e.g., cough) because they’re inherent to COVID-19, a primarily respiratory illness.
- For suspected cases of COVID-19, use Z20.822 and/or the presenting signs and symptoms.
- For resolved cases of COVID-19 use Z86.16 or B94.8 (sequelae of other specified infectious and parasitic diseases), secondary to the treating ICD-10-CM code(s) (e.g., dysphagia).
- Z86.16 describes patients with a confirmed case of COVID-19 but who are no longer infected (resolved COVID-19). Use this code when COVID-19 is a factor in the reason for the visit, but is not the direct cause of the speech, language, cognitive, voice, or swallowing disorder.
- B94.8 is not a new code but is also used for patients with resolved COVID-19. Use this code when there is clear documentation that the speech, language, cognitive, voice, or swallowing disorder is directly caused by COVID-19. (Note: This guidance has changed. Please see FY 2022 updates for current information.)
- There is no time limit on when personal history or sequelae codes may be used.
