October - ICD-10: New Codes One Year Away
Margo Kerrigan, M.P.H, Area Director
Indian Health Service California Area Office
On October 1, 2014, the ICD-9 code set will be replaced by the ICD-10 code set. The transition to ICD-10 is required for everyone covered by the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA). ICD-10 codes will need to be implemented and the ability to report them in all transactions for encounters or discharges on and after October 1, 2014.
Action steps for clinics to assist in their ICD-10 Implementation*:
- Determine how ICD-10 will affect your organization. Start by reviewing how and where you currently use ICD-9 codes. Make sure you have accounted for the use of ICD-9 in authorizations/pre-certifications, physician orders, medical records, superbills/encounter forms, practice management and billing systems, and coding manuals.
- Review how ICD-10 will affect clinical documentation requirements and electronic health record (EHR) templates.
- Communicate the plan, timeline, and new system changes and processes to your organization, and ensure that leadership and staff understand the extent of the effort the ICD-10 transition requires.
- Secure a budget that accounts for software upgrades/software license costs, hardware procurement, staff training costs, revision of forms, work flow changes during and after implementation, and risk mitigation.
Education is a critical success factor in successful implementation of ICD-10. Staff members are going to need more than lessons in ICD-10 coding.
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Physicians should become familiar with ICD-10 codes (This does not mean learning how to code.)
- Start practicing on some real cases to increase familiarity.
There have been numerous tip sheets, handbooks, and other content to aid providers on the transition. Agencies also host periodic teleconferences and send updates via email. It is recommended to sign up for these free services when possible.
For more information:
*Content source: www.cms.gov