As the ICD-10 implementation deadline nears the 90 Day mark, there are still attempts by some Congress members to delay it, create an 18 month grace period and even cancel altogether.
Arguments for these efforts are the same we have heard for the last postponement. “Many doctors and staff aren’t ready.” Okay, well wha
t about those that took the deadline seriously and did prepare; they should not be penalized for their readiness.
As far as an 18 month grace period where claims would not be denied for miss-coding of diagnosis. How can that be a reasonable suggestion? Would it mean any code that’s “close” would be payable? That is fraught with dangers of fraud and abuse.
The option of cancelling it is baffling as well. With many countries around the world using the ICD-10 version since 1994 (that’s over 20 years) and ICD-11 less than two years away, the US healthcare diagnosis system would be “in the dark ages” comparatively.
Frankly, many practice administrators I talk to are tired of hearing about it. Let it happen already!
Iridium Suite, one of the best medical practice management systems made the necessary changes in 2013, way ahead of the last October 1 deadline. See how with a free demo.
Large commercial and government payer websites and publications contain large volumes of information on ICD-10 implementation, etc. They all tout their readiness to accept and process those claims come October 1, 2015.
CMS has a terrific and FREE interactive ICD-10 site allowing you to practice coding on real case scenarios. Check it out: http://www.roadto10.org/ics/
Large claims clearinghouses like Emdeon also state readiness to process files containing ICD-10 codes.
If none of these last minute efforts come to fruition, providers need to be ready. If your medical billing software is not ready, contact us today before you are unable to bill charges and your revenue stream dries up.
