Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten
Who isn't tired of hearing about ICD-10? The build-up has happened over and over again. As much as we would like to toss the whole thing out of the window, we can't.
Anyone running a medical practice must still make sure they are using ICD-10 compliant billing software or start shopping.
How does ICD-10 affect the functions of the practice management software?
ICD-9 utilizes a maximum of 5 characters. Note: The code length and alphanumeric structure limit the number of new codes that can be created, and many ICD-9 categories are already full.
ICD-10 codes can have up to 7 characters. Note: Digit 1=alpha, digit 2=numeric, and digits 3-7=alpha or numeric. This allows for more flexibility for the addition of new codes as necessary.
If your software formatting only has space for 5 characters, then you would not be able to record the longer ICD-10 versions.
The implications of ICD-10 are supposed to encourage claims to be submitted with much more diagnostic specificity. Note: This will require coders on occasion to enter more than the maximum of the four codes that have been typically entered in recent years.
The ICD-10 claims will contain up to 12 diagnosis codes.
The changes noted in item 2 above, also have effects on the submittal of paper claims. Note: The HCFA form used in recent years is version 08/05 that was implemented to accommodate the requirement of NPI numbers. It provides the ability to report only four diagnosis codes.
The new version 02/12, made mandatory by Medicare 4/1/2014, allows for reporting of the 12 codes. Note: As it was implemented prior to the effective date of ICD-10, it can be used with either ICD-9 or 10 data.
Part of the requirement of ICD-10 compliant billing software would be the ability to complete this paper claim form appropriately.
Once you are assured that you have the appropriate practice management system, it is important that you continue to evaluate the other areas of your practice to determine other areas that will be affected by ICD-10 when it takes effect October 1, 2015.
If you need assistance in creating an implementation plan, CMS published the ICD-10 Implementation Guide for Small and Medium Practices. It is a thorough resource that groups the associated milestones and tasks with the following six phases:
1. Planning
2. Communication and Awareness
3. Assessment
4. Operational Implementation
5. Testing
6. Transition
Anyone running a medical practice must still make sure they are using ICD-10 compliant billing software or start shopping.
How does ICD-10 affect the functions of the practice management software?
ICD-9 utilizes a maximum of 5 characters. Note: The code length and alphanumeric structure limit the number of new codes that can be created, and many ICD-9 categories are already full.
ICD-10 codes can have up to 7 characters. Note: Digit 1=alpha, digit 2=numeric, and digits 3-7=alpha or numeric. This allows for more flexibility for the addition of new codes as necessary.
If your software formatting only has space for 5 characters, then you would not be able to record the longer ICD-10 versions.
The implications of ICD-10 are supposed to encourage claims to be submitted with much more diagnostic specificity. Note: This will require coders on occasion to enter more than the maximum of the four codes that have been typically entered in recent years.
The ICD-10 claims will contain up to 12 diagnosis codes.
The changes noted in item 2 above, also have effects on the submittal of paper claims. Note: The HCFA form used in recent years is version 08/05 that was implemented to accommodate the requirement of NPI numbers. It provides the ability to report only four diagnosis codes.
The new version 02/12, made mandatory by Medicare 4/1/2014, allows for reporting of the 12 codes. Note: As it was implemented prior to the effective date of ICD-10, it can be used with either ICD-9 or 10 data.
Part of the requirement of ICD-10 compliant billing software would be the ability to complete this paper claim form appropriately.
Once you are assured that you have the appropriate practice management system, it is important that you continue to evaluate the other areas of your practice to determine other areas that will be affected by ICD-10 when it takes effect October 1, 2015.
If you need assistance in creating an implementation plan, CMS published the ICD-10 Implementation Guide for Small and Medium Practices. It is a thorough resource that groups the associated milestones and tasks with the following six phases:
1. Planning
2. Communication and Awareness
3. Assessment
4. Operational Implementation
5. Testing
6. Transition
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