CMS has declared that all ICD-10 flexibilities in place over the last year will expire on October 1, 2016.  Providers should be coding to the highest level of specificity to accurately reflect the clinical documentation.

In an August 18, 2016 update to the Clarifying Questions and Answers Related to the July 6, 2015, CMS/AMA Joint Announcement and Guidance Regarding ICD-10 Flexibilities, CMS explains that many major insurers did not choose to offer coding flexibility, so many providers are already using specific codes.

For ICD-10 coding resources, visit the Provider Resources section of the CMS ICD-10 website.