The ICD-10-PCS codes can be found in the XW0 Table for the drug infusions.
There were new ICD-10-PCS codes implemented on Aug. 1, involving substances associated with the treatment of COVID-19. As we know, these codes are not to be assigned unless the substances were used to treat coronavirus. Here is some information regarding these medications/biologicals, to assist in code assignment.
Tocilizumab, also known as its brand name, Actemra, is a drug known to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis. It blocks the inflammatory protein IL-6. Based on a clinical study in Italy, it might reduce the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation or death associated with severe COVID-19-related pneumonia.
Remdesivir, an anti-infective also known by its brand name, VEKLURY, is a broad-spectrum antiviral medication. This medication is also known as GS-5734, and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the New England Journal of Medicine, remdesivir is superior to a placebo in shortening recovery time of patients with COVID-19 and evidence of lower respiratory tract infection.
Sarilumab is a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis; its brand name is Kevzara. It has been used as an experimental protocol for treating COVID-19. In fact, Sanofi and Regeneron have announced that one clinical trial using sarilumab has been stopped.
The last substance that was added is convalescent plasma. This is the liquid portion of the blood (plasma) that is collected from patients who have recovered from COVID-19. This substance is transfused into infected patients. This treatment has been used for SARS, H1N1, avian influenza, MERS, and Ebola. Convalescent plasma builds antibodies in the sick patient. The jury is still out regarding its effectiveness on COVID-19.
The ICD-10-PCS codes can be found in the XW0 Table for the drug infusions. The XW1 Table contains the transfusion of convalescent plasma. If you are participating in clinical trials, do not forget to add Z00.6 as a diagnosis code; it is an indicator for a clinical trial.
I am looking forward to the day when we no longer must talk about the treatment and coding of COVID-19!
Programming Note: Laurie Johnson is a permanent panelist on Talk Ten Tuesdays. Listen to her live reporting on ICD-10 codes every Tuesday at 10 a.m. EST.
EDITOR’S NOTE Day 3 of the federal shutdown continues. This article by Mark Spivey is part of a special section today published by RACmonitor and
As expected, the federal shutdown began early Wednesday morning. What’s unknown is how long it will continue. Neither congressional Republicans nor Democrats appear to be
Please log in to your account to comment on this article.
Gain clarity and confidence in OB‑GYN coding with this expert‑led webcast featuring Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS‑P, CPEDC, COPC. You’ll learn how to apply global maternity package rules accurately, select the right CPT codes for procedures and visits, and identify documentation gaps that lead to denials. With practical guidance and real examples, this session helps you strengthen compliance, reduce audit risk, and ensure accurate reimbursement for women’s health services.
Uncover essential coding insights with nationally recognized coding authority Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS. Through ICD10monitor’s interactive, on‑demand webcast series, Kay walks you through the AHA’s 2026 ICD‑10‑CM/PCS Quarterly Coding Clinics, translating each update into practical, easy‑to‑apply guidance designed to sharpen precision, ensure compliance, and strengthen day‑to‑day decision‑making. Available shortly after each official release.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s fourth quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s third quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Federal auditors are intensifying their focus on inpatient psychiatric facilities, using advanced data analytics to spotlight outliers and pursue high‑dollar repayments. In this high‑impact webcast, Michael Calahan, PA, MBA, Compliance Officer and V.P., Hospital & Physician Compliance, breaks down what regulators are really targeting in IPF-PPS admissions, documentation, treatment and discharge planning. Attendees will learn practical steps to tighten processes, avoid common audit triggers and protect reimbursement and reduce the risk of multimillion-dollar repayment demands.
In this timely session, Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS-P, CPEDC, COPC, breaks down the complexities of Medical Decision Making (MDM) documentation so providers can confidently capture the true complexity of their care. Attendees will learn practical, efficient strategies to ensure documentation aligns with current E/M guidelines, supports accurate coding, and reduces audit risk, all without adding to charting time.
Join Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM for The PEPPER Returns – Risk and Opportunity at Your Fingertips, a practical webcast that demystifies the PEPPER and shows you how to turn complex claims data into actionable insights. Dr. Hirsch will explain how to interpret key measures, identify compliance risks, uncover missed revenue opportunities, and understand new updates in the PEPPER, all to help your organization stay ahead of audits and use this powerful data proactively.
Stay ahead of the 2026-2027 audit surge with “Top 10 Audit Targets for 2026-2027 for Hospitals & Physicians: Protect Your Revenue,” a high-impact webcast led by Michael Calahan, PA, MBA. This concise session gives hospitals and physicians clear insight into the most likely federal audit targets, such as E/M services, split/shared and critical care, observation and admissions, device credits, and Two-Midnight Rule changes, and shows how to tighten documentation, coding, and internal processes to reduce denials, recoupments, and penalties. Attendees walk away with practical best practices to protect revenue, strengthen compliance, and better prepare their teams for inevitable audits.
Prepare for the 2025 CMS IPPS Final Rule with ICD10monitor’s IPPSPalooza! Click HERE to learn more
Get 15% OFF on all educational webcasts at ICD10monitor with code JULYFOURTH24 until July 4, 2024—start learning today!
BLOOM INTO SAVINGS! Get 25% OFF during our spring sale through March 27. Use code SPRING26 at checkout to claim this offer.
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 1 with code CYBER25
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24
