admin

Written By: Dr. Janhvi Ajmera

Written By: Aida Feda Vanderpuye, MD, MPH Candidate

Written By: Aida Feda Vanderpuye, MD, MPH Candidate

Written By: Aida Feda Vanderpuye, MD, MPH Candidate

Written By: Dr. Janhvi Ajmera

By Aida Feda Vanderpuye,MD, MPH Candidate

Top 10 Most Common ICD-10 Codes in 2025: What Every Clinician & Researcher Should Know Written By: Dr. Janhvi Ajmera The ICD-10 coding system is more than a billing tool; it’s the global language of healthcare. From shaping research datasets to driving insurance claims, ICD-10 codes reveal what conditions dominate our hospitals, clinics, and community health reports. As we move through 2025, certain codes stand out, not only because of their frequency but also because of what they say about disease burden, public health priorities, and clinical practice patterns. Whether you’re a clinician documenting patient encounters, a researcher mining EHR data, or a USMLE aspirant revising for boards, these are the codes you’ll encounter again and again. Here’s a closer look at the 10 most common ICD-10 codes in 2025, and why they matter. 1. I10 – Essential (Primary) Hypertension Unsurprisingly, hypertension remains the most widely used ICD-10 code worldwide. With lifestyle risk factors climbing, this diagnosis is recorded in nearly every specialty. For researchers, I10 provides insight into cardiovascular risk, while for clinicians, it’s a reminder of the silent epidemic behind strokes and heart attacks. 2. E11.9 – Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Without Complications Diabetes is a major driver of comorbidity. E11.9 often appears when clinicians document diabetes in its “base form,” without listing specific complications. For data analysts, this matters; large volumes of E11.9 entries may obscure the true prevalence of complications like nephropathy or neuropathy. 3. E78.5 – Hyperlipidemia, Unspecified Cholesterol disorders sit at the crossroads of preventive and cardiovascular medicine. While guidelines increasingly encourage detailed subclassification, many encounters are still coded under E78.5. This reflects both clinical realities (not every lipid panel is broken down) and the coding habits of busy practices. 4. F32.9 – Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Unspecified Mental health codes are rising sharply. F32.9 is frequently used because it avoids specifying severity or recurrence. For clinicians, it captures the diagnosis quickly; for researchers, it signals a broader trend, the normalization of documenting mental health in primary care and telehealth settings. 5. F41.1 – Generalized Anxiety Disorder Alongside depression, GAD is one of the most coded mental health diagnoses of 2025. The pandemic era shifted anxiety into sharper focus, and payers increasingly demand its recognition. Accurate coding here enhances access to therapy, medication coverage, and population-level tracking. 6. J06.9 – Acute Upper Respiratory Infection, Unspecified Primary care and pediatrics see this code constantly. While “unspecified” may frustrate researchers looking for granularity, many URIs are managed without lab confirmation. For health systems, this code underpins data on sick visits, absenteeism, and antimicrobial stewardship. 7. J18.9 – Pneumonia, Unspecified Organism Pneumonia remains a high-burden diagnosis. Even as COVID-19’s coding impact fades, J18.9 is still one of the top reasons for hospital admissions. For researchers, it’s a window into respiratory disease trends; for clinicians, it’s the code that triggers critical care pathways and insurance approvals. 8. R07.9 – Chest Pain, Unspecified The “rule-out MI” presentation dominates emergency departments. R07.9 captures the initial symptom before a confirmed diagnosis emerges. It’s a reminder that ICD-10 doesn’t just classify disease, it also records the process of clinical reasoning. 9. M54.5 – Low Back Pain Musculoskeletal disorders consistently rank among the leading causes of disability. M54.5 shows up across orthopedics, physiotherapy, and general practice. For researchers, the frequency of this code is tied to productivity loss, opioid prescribing trends, and disability claims. 10. Z00.00 – Encounter for General Adult Medical Examination Without Abnormal Findings This preventive code reflects a positive trend: patients are coming in not because they’re ill, but for routine care. For payers and researchers, Z00.00 helps quantify the reach of preventive health services and screenings. Why These Codes Dominate in 2025 High-prevalence conditions: Hypertension, diabetes, and anxiety remain everyday realities. Unspecified coding habits: Many encounters default to “unspecified” for efficiency, even when more detail exists. Insurance drivers: These codes ensure reimbursement, making them the backbone of administrative data. Research goldmines: Together, they shape national datasets, clinical trial inclusion, and health policy decisions. What This Means for You Clinicians: Be specific when possible; your documentation drives both reimbursement and accurate research. Researchers: Recognize the limits of unspecified codes; they may understate disease complexity. Students & Exam Prep: Expect to see these codes reflected in vignettes and board-style questions, because they mirror real-world prevalence. Looking Ahead The 2026 ICD-10 updates promise hundreds of new and revised codes, especially in obesity, injury, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Over time, greater specificity may shift how often we see these “unspecified” standbys. Still, the top 10 of today highlight where the weight of healthcare truly lies. Final Word The most common ICD-10 codes aren’t just numbers; they’re a reflection of global health priorities, patient experiences, and the evolving landscape of medicine. By knowing them well, clinicians can document better, researchers can analyze smarter, and students can prepare more effectively. _____________

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: One-Size Doesn’t Fit All After PCI Written By: Dr. Janhvi Ajmera When someone gets a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which involves the use of stents to open blocked arteries, doctors usually prescribe dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). This means taking two medications to prevent blood clots- aspirin and a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor (such as clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel). The idea is to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stent clots. Sounds smart, but here’s the twist: recent trials suggest that how much benefit vs. risk you get from that combo highly depends on your individual risk profile. What New Studies Reveal Two big, recent trials presented at ESC 2025 are shedding light: TARGET-FIRST examined low-risk patients who had undergone “complete revascularization” (i.e., no residual clogged arteries after PCI). In them, stopping aspirin after just 1 month and continuing only the P2Y₁₂ inhibitor did not significantly increase ischemic events. But bleeding dropped by roughly half. But then there’s NEO-MINDSET, with a more typical group (older, more comorbidities, etc.). In that trial, stopping aspirin almost immediately didn’t meet the noninferiority margin. Sure, bleeding was less, but there was a modest increase in ischemic events (stroke, MI, etc.) beyond acceptable limits. Why It Matters for You These studies tell us: Personal risk stratification matters more than blanket rules. Not everyone benefits from long DAPT; for some, shorter or modified therapy may reduce bleeding without raising clot risks too much. Low-risk patients – those with complete revascularization, fewer comorbidities, and a stable situation, might do well with early de-escalation (i.e., stop aspirin early). High-risk patient – with MI, hypertension, diabetes, prior MI, etc, probably still need the usual longer DAPT combo, because their risk of ischemia may outweigh bleeding risk. Bleeding vs. Ischemic Trade-Off – It’s like walking a tightrope. Every medicine that reduces clot risk increases bleeding risk; so the sweet spot depends on how “bleed-prone” you are (age, kidney function, other meds, etc.). Practical Takeaway: What to Discuss With Your Cardiologist If you or someone you care about is on or considering DAPT after PCI: Ask what risk category you fall into: low vs high ischemic risk / bleeding risk. Check if “complete revascularization” was really achieved. Are there still blockages that weren’t treated? Find out which P2Y₁₂ inhibitor is being used (clopidogrel vs ticagrelor vs prasugrel), some are more potent (and riskier) than others. Ask whether a plan exists for reassessment: e.g., can you drop aspirin after 1 month, or do you need full DAPT for longer? Monitor follow-up closely: any signs of bleeding? Any symptoms of ischemia (new pain, unusual fatigue)? The Bottom Line DAPT is a powerful medicine. But “powerful” means it can help or hurt, depending on the patient. The latest evidence suggests moving away from “always DAPT for X months” toward personalized antiplatelet therapy: shorter durations, tailored drug choices, careful risk balancing. If you’re dealing with PCI recovery, use what these studies teach to have a smart, evidence-based conversation with your doctor, because your ideal DAPT duration might be very different from someone else’s. REFERENCES: Dual‐Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: How Short Is Too Short? | Journal of the American Heart Association https://share.google/bLrbOsBmo5YlFlGhj  New trial evidence on the use of blood thinners after coronary stenting https://share.google/O7vp8BxzJMmJ86q08  Source: European Society of Cardiology https://share.google/v2znHU7DArK5bOA1X

Emerging Trends in the 2025–2026 Residency Match: What Every Applicant Should Know Written By: Dr. Janhvi Ajmera As we gear up for Match 2026, several shifts are redefining the playing field for applicants. Whether you’re an IMG, US MD, or biomedical researcher supporting residency-bound peers, staying informed gives you a major strategic edge. 1. Research Experience: The New Differentiator With USMLE Step 1 now pass/fail, program directors are looking for other signals of academic drive. A survey of 885 residency PDs revealed that 41% are placing more weight on applicant’s research participation when granting interview invites. Why it matters:Research isn’t just “nice to have”, it can now be a deciding factor. Even if your Step scores are average, meaningful research can set you apart in review committees. 2. Home Program Advantage in Surgical Matches A 5-year study of nearly 13,000 applicants showed that those from institutions with home surgical residencies matched into surgical specialties at significantly higher rates (39.1%) compared to those without (22.3%). That’s a 1.76x advantage. Takeaway:Institutional affiliation matters, especially for competitive fields. If you’re planning a surgical path, consider strengthening your ties with your school’s home program or gaining access to similar networks. 3. Neurology: Fastest-Growing Specialty While internal medicine still boasts the most seats, neurology has seen a 30.4% growth in residency spots over the past four years (the fastest rate of growth by proportion). Why this stands out:More seats mean more opportunities, but don’t let that lure you into a passion-less specialty. Explore growth areas that align with interest, not just availability. 4. Mentorship & Coaching: Game-Changers in Residency Prep Strong informal mentorship, like chats with seniors or faculty and structured programs (academic coaching, career guidance) are gaining recognition as impactful tools for helping applicants navigate the match. These relationships foster confidence, specialty insight, and resilience. Pro move:It’s not just about doing more, it’s about connecting with people who see your potential, guide you toward meaningful research, and open doors through shared networks. 5. Ranking Psychology and Matching Odds: What Research Reveals A recent empirical study reveals something intriguing: applicants rejected from their first-choice programs are much less likely to match into their second-ranked choice. Experts attribute this partly to the psychological pressure around ordering ROLs strategically. The study even suggests using randomized rank lists to reduce manipulation and enhance fairness. Smart strategy:Rank with clarity and confidence. Don’t let perceived ranking tactics cloud genuine preference, your first choices should be exactly that: what you truly want. 6. Emergency Medicine & Primary Care: Shifting Demand Patterns Emergency Medicine is rebounding from past unfilled cycles, with MD students increasingly returning to the field. However, proposed changes (like switching to a 4-year training track starting 2027) might reshape future competitiveness. Primary Care specialties— including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, continue growing, driven by systemic demand and matched by supportive institutional training efforts. Insights:If you’re passionate about patient-centered care, now is a particularly opportune time to pursue primary care pathways. EM may fluctuate, keep an eye on evolving timelines.   What This Means for You Move Strategy Highlight meaningful research Use your work to stand out, don’t just tick boxes. Build mentorship ties early Whether informal or formal, support systems matter. Think critically about rankings Rank programs based on alignment, not pressure-induced judgments. Plan specialty around growth areas Neurology and primary care are expanding, align your application accordingly. Leverage institutional strengths Have access to home programs? Use them wisely. If not, build equivalent support systems.   Final Thoughts The residency match process continues evolving. As benchmarks shift, your success will depend not just on credentials, but on strategy, relationships, and adaptability. Research, mentorship, and thoughtful application design are no longer optional— “they’re essential”. ____________________________________