ICD-10 & Coding

On August 27, CMS will broadcast a live conference call with Sue Bowman from the American Health Information Management Association and Nelly Leon-Chisen from the American Hospital Association, updating providers on the latest news regarding ICD-10 implementation and offering coding tips from both the AHA and AHIMA.

While larger systems have more resources to make the change, the smaller provider or physician practice may still have work to do.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Monday said it will not deny claims under the Part B physician fee schedule based on ICD-10 coding errors, a decision supported by bitter ICD-10 opponent the American Medical Association.

Latest law proposed in the House of Representatives would keep physicians or other healthcare providers from being penalized for coding errors.

Ways & Means Committee members call upon CMS to make public a plan to avoid disruption of payment to providers and physicians after Oct. 1 implementation date for ICD-10.

Of the 23,138 claims filed, 20,306 were accepted, though most of the rejections were caused by issues not related to ICD-10.

But not all think organizations are ready for the change.

Smaller practices that may not have the capital to invest in systems and staff to manage the coding change may seek out mergers, joint ventures or other partnerships.

The Advisory Board revenue cycle head Ed Hock says punting on ICD-10 until the new code set is ready robs healthcare providers of the benefits of the Oct. 1 changeover.

Meanwhile, proposed legislation could cost physicians more, leading to more alignment with hospitals.