As of October 1, 2025, providers can now document diabetes in remission using a new ICD-10 code, E11.A. This addition marks a significant advancement in how providers can document and track patient outcomes, acknowledging that patients can achieve remission through various interventions.
What the New Code Means
The new code, E11.A, is designed to capture patients with type 2 diabetes in remission. Criteria for remission include:
- Hba1c < 6.5% for at least 3 months
- Off all glucose-lowering medications
- No active diabetic complications
- Must be explicitly documented as “in remission”
E11.A provides a clearer picture of the patient’s health status and ensures that documentation reflects successful disease management. This helps clinicians and payers differentiate between patients whose diabetes is well-controlled through medication and those who have achieved remission through sustained lifestyle or metabolic changes.
Why It Matters
Accurate coding supports better patient care and improved data quality. When providers use E11.A appropriately, it strengthens the accuracy of health records, informs population health efforts, and ensures patients receive appropriate follow-up care. It also helps track long-term outcomes for patients who have achieved remission, contributing valuable insight into which interventions are most effective.
How to Document Correctly
When documenting diabetes in remission, avoid vague terms such as resolved or history of diabetes. These phrases can lead to confusion or incorrect coding. Instead, clearly indicate that the patient’s type 2 diabetes is in remission. If the documentation is unclear, ask the provider to confirm the patient’s current status before assigning E11.A.
Supporting Ongoing Care
Even when diabetes is in remission, continued monitoring remains essential. Patients should continue to receive regular follow-up visits that include A1c checks, blood pressure measurements, and counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The introduction of ICD-10 code E11.A allows providers to more accurately recognize patients who have achieved remission from type 2 diabetes. By documenting clearly and coding accurately, practices can improve data integrity, support better clinical decision-making, and encourage meaningful progress in chronic disease management.
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