Time to Panic?
Many people are wondering about ICD-10 and what should they do about it.
Don't panic!
What is ICD-10?
ICD-10 is a diagnostic coding system implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 1993 WHO developed ICD-10 to replace ICD-9, which was developed by WHO in the 1970s. ICD-10 is in almost every country in the world, except the United States.
When we hear “ICD-10” in the United States, it usually refers to the U.S. clinical modification of ICD-10: ICD-10-CM. This code set is scheduled to replace ICD-9-CM, our current U.S. diagnostic code set, on Oct. 1, 2013. For now, current Procedural Terminology (CPT) will remain the same.
SPECIAL NOTE: All PayDC Subscribers will receive the latest ICD-10 updates automatically, and at no additional charge! If you're not already a subscriber, contact us for more information about how PayDC can automatically keep your practice current with industry changes!
Why is this change taking place?
The ICD-9-CM system has several problems. First of all it is out of room. Since the classification is organized scientifically, each three-digit category can have only 10 subcategories. Most numbers in most categories have been assigned diagnoses. Medical science keeps making new discoveries, and there are no numbers to assign these diagnoses. The second main contributing factor for the change is outdated technology.
New technology, combined with the new more detailed codes will allow for better analysis of disease patterns and treatment outcomes that can advance medical care. These same details will streamline claims submissions, since these details will make the initial claim much easier for payers to understand.
What to expect
There will of course be many changes and issues to deal with, for example: the volume of codes will increase from approximately 13,600 to approximately 69,000 codes. All ICD-10 codes will be alphanumeric and begin with a letter instead of a mostly numeric as with ICD-9.
Additionally, both types of codes will need to be used by systems (such as PayDC). In other words, mapping will be necessary so that equivalent codes can be found for issues such as disease tracking and medical necessity edits.
While there will need to be significant education and training for physicians, billers and other health care personnel to fully implement this major code change, no one needs to panic. Other organizations are already attempting to capitalize on the situation by suggesting that everyone should begin training immediately.
We do NOT suggest (as some other prominent organizations have) going out and getting immediate training! It is not necessary or prudent, and will likely be difficult to remember what was learned 2-3 years ago.
Slow and steady will win the race and providers and staff should simply be aware of the change, know the deadlines and slowly start to understand what ICD-10 is all about.
PayDC is well aware of the changes ICD-10 is bringing, including the new claims submission 5010 format due in 2012. We will be prepared and help you stay ahead of the curve!
We hope this helps you and your practice prepare for what's coming.
Thank you for staying informed!
SPECIAL NOTE: All PayDC Subscribers will receive the latest ICD-10 updates automatically, and at no additional charge! If you're not already a subscriber, contact us for more information about how PayDC can automatically keep your practice current with industry changes!
