The US Department of Health and Human Resources has announced that the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) compliance date has moved from October 1, 2014 to October 1, 2015. The ICD-10 regulations will change coding for all physicians and offices, and therefore, it is important for your business to be prepared.
Here’s more on the upcoming change and how your practice can prepare for the switch.
How to Prepare for the ICD-10 Regulation Change
The required transition to ICD-10 will require all offices covered under HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act) to comply with the new regulations meant to standardize codes for all medical procedures as well as medical conditions like osteoporosis.
The first step for all offices will be to obtain the new codes. There are several ways to gain access. They are available online at http://www.cms.gov/ They can also be accessed through certain Electronic Health Record systems and via code books.
Most processing systems will no longer be able to accept any codes valid prior to ICD-10, so all forms and software within the office must be updated.
Why the Shift to ICD-10 Is Important
The first ICD-9 codes were established and implemented in the late 1970s. Since then, there has been medical discovery, advancements in technology, and a shift from paper to Electronic Medical Records.
The new ICD-10 codes provide more specific codes for various medical diagnoses and treatments. This results in more accurate reporting which translates into appropriate compensation. This type of detailed coding process not only makes coding and billing easier; it also improves healthcare overall.
Many other countries have already moved to the new codes. The United States has set its compliance date for October of this year.
There are two elements of ICD-10 with which all healthcare businesses must comply: ICD-10-CM (Clinical Modification) and ICD-10-PCS (Procedure Classification). ICD-10-CM is specifically related to reporting diseases and disorders. ICD-10-PCS refers to procedures and treatments. Both parts will improve the quality of data reported through healthcare coding.
Additionally, as aforementioned, the new regulations will apply to all those under HIPAA, not only those who submit insurance claims.
Have Questions About ICD-10 Compliance?
With the encroaching October deadline, it is very important that your practice is ready to make the change to ICD-10. Turn to Medical Business Management to make the shift smooth and efficient.
Our experts are trained and ready to provide the ICD-10 coding services for your office to ensure that you are getting paid appropriately for your services. Contact Medical Business Management today to learn more!
