Diagnostic coding is the translation of written descriptions of diseases, illnesses and injuries into codes from a particular classification. In medical classification, diagnosis codes are used as part of the clinical coding process alongside intervention codes for proper reimbursement. The translation is called the International Classification of Disease codes, or ICD-10-CM*. There are annual updates which may include deleting codes, adding codes, and minor edits to existing codes.  Keep reading for information regarding ICD-10 changes for 2026.

Although there are very few changes in 2026 relevant to chiropractic coding, the updates contain 487 new, 28 deleted, and 38 revised codes. The 2026 ICD-10 codes will be used for patient encounters from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026.

The new codes listed below may be relevant to your patient encounter:

• Pelvic Pain
• R10.20 Pelvic and perineal pain unspecified side
• R10.21 Pelvic and perineal pain right side
• R10.22 Pelvic and perineal pain left side
• R10.23 Pelvic and perineal pain bilateral
• R10.24 Suprapubic pain

And new codes related to socioeconomic circumstance:

• Z56.6 Other physical and mental strain related to work
  • Workplace stress
• Z56.89 Other problems related to employment
  • Furloughed
  • Underemployed
• Z59.02 Unsheltered homelessness
  • Lives in a homeless encampment
• Z59.19 Other inadequate housing
  • Poor housing weatherization
• Z59.86 Financial insecurity
  • Z59.861 Financial insecurity, difficulty paying for utilities
  • Difficulty paying for electricity
  • Difficulty paying for heat
  • Difficulty paying for oil
  • Difficulty paying water bill
  • Utility disconnect notice due to inability to pay
    • Excludes2: inadequate housing utilities (Z59.12)
  • Z59.868 Other specified financial insecurity
    • Bankruptcy
  • Z59.869 Financial insecurity, unspecified

Coding and Billing Tips:

• Make sure if you use a new code listed above, you relate it in your SOAP note to the patient’s condition and why they are seeking care.
• If you bill a 98941: 3-4 region adjustment, make sure you have at least three ICD-10 subluxation codes (The M99.0X series) on the claim.
• If you bill a 98942: All 5 regions adjustment, make sure you have at least five ICD-10 subluxation codes (again the M99.0X series) on the claim.

If you are interested in obtaining the entire file of new/updated/deleted ICD-10 Codes, click this link from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:

https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/icd-10-codes#CodeFiles

And, BTW… we still make house calls!  Not collecting what you are owed? Something just doesn’t seem right with collections and your deposits? Give us a call to discuss if an onsite visit or video conference is right for your office.

Happy Birthday Chiropractic! Celebrate the entire month of October!

Lisa

920-334-4561

*CM refers to the ICD-10 coding system used in the United States.Sources:

Sources:

ChiroCode
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)