ICD-10-CM FAQs

Does the ICD code work globally?  We are still working to get a straight answer on whether the implementation of an ICD-10 code into the US system will be available globally, and when, but are looking into it.

Do I need to write a letter if I already wrote on in November?  Yes, every communication the CDC receives from the public will help bolster the overall support they will consider toward the approval and implementation of a TSW code.  If you submitted a letter in November, you would just need to tweak several spots in the original letter that are reflected in the updated template on the ITSAN site. Mainly, the code # (L30.81) and that we are no longer asking for a review, but an approval.

Do people have to use the template?  No, anything that voices your support of the TSW code will suffice.  We recommend including your personal experience with TSW and why you believe a code would be helpful.

Do you need to be a US citizen to write the letter? No

Do we know what this will mean for TSW sufferers not from the US?  Even if the code is not immediately available through the world’s healthcare systems, its existence will help substantiate the fact that TSW is a real/validated condition and the code can be referred to in clinical settings.

Does this have to pass in other countries before the code is implemented internationally?  We are working to find this answer.

Why is it important to have an ICD code for TSW? To identify incidence and prevalence; promote research; improve care and treatment for patients; raise awareness of the condition with healthcare providers; ensure a level of protection for families mitigating accusations of medical neglect when parents choose not to treat with topical steroids; lead to more judicious prescribing of these drugs

Where do I send my letter?  nchsicd10cm@cdc.gov

How did ITSAN get involved with the ICD 10 proposal? This is an issue that has been on ITSAN’s to-do list for many years, but we needed to come to a place in time where we had enough physicians on board to support and enough evidence in the real world for TSW to be considered a “universally recognized condition.”  While working on the TSW pilot study at NIH, Dr. Ian Myles drafted the original proposal needed to submit to the CDC, which was a very detailed and comprehensive overview of the evidence in literature and rationale behind implementing a TSW code.  Since the NIH is a governmental institution, they are not able to directly submit, so Dr. Myles shared the proposal with ITSAN to submit.  ITSAN reached out to other national organizations and submitted with the support of National Eczema Association, Allergy & Asthma Network along with NIAID (an institute covering AD research at the NIH).  Kelly Barta leads the US based Coalition of Skin Diseases and helped support the submission of other ICD-10 codes for members groups, learning more about the process and ways to succeed.  She had the help and assistance of these in navigating the complexities and requirements of submission,