5 ICD-10 codes to keep handy in winter

When temperatures drop, visit volume usually climbs. Flu, COVID-19, RSV, asthma flares and weather-related injuries can turn your schedule — and your claims queue — into a blizzard. CDC data show that flu activity in the United States typically peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last into spring. At the same time, falls remain one of the leading causes of unintentional injury deaths among older adults, with icy conditions a major contributor.

For coders and practice leaders, that means winter is prime time for denials if documentation and ICD-10 selection are even slightly off. Physicians Practice has repeatedly emphasized the importance of coding to the highest level of specificity and avoiding undercoding or unbundling. The official ICD-10-CM guidelines likewise stress that coders must follow chapter-specific instructions — not just rely on “favorite” codes.

Here are five ICD-10-CM codes (and code concepts) you’ll want on speed dial when winter hits your practice.