The current versions of the X12 Version 4010/4010A1 transaction standards lack certain functionality that are pertinent to the healthcare industry. By now, health plans, healthcare clearinghouses,...
One of the things I have always liked about ICD-9-CM is that no matter how poor the documentation, if a code requires a fourth and/or fifth digit the manual always gives what I call the “out” by...
The 2011 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines include several changes relating to the correct coding for neoplasms. Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM contains the codes for most benign and all malignant neoplasms...
I saw a question posted recently regarding the inclusion or exclusion of Workers Comp, property, casualty, and auto under the CMS mandate to implement ICD-10. My first reaction was why wouldn’t they...
HCPro is conducting research into how organizations are assessing their ICD-10 readiness. Click the link below to participate. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22C5AE44S33/
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) recently posted on its ICD-10 webpage a Top 10 List: Phase One . In early 2011, Phase I (first quarter 2009–second quarter 2011) of the...
ICD-10-CM/PCS now has guidelines for reporting conditions that are present on admission (POA). As part of the 2011 guidelines updates, CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics added Appendix...
As we work toward the implementation of ICD-10 in 2013, strategic opportunities for change abound. Remember all those items that have remained static on your operational wish list? Perhaps you can...
As a regulatory specialist, I find myself asking my students, fellow coders, and other colleagues (e.g., clinical documentation improvement specialists) where they are in terms of preparation for ICD...
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) posted the new 2011 guidelines for ICD-10-CM on its website. You won’t find many significant changes to conventions, general coding guidelines, and chapter...
Before you can think about implementing ICD-10, you need to be sure your numerous Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and Practice Management Systems (PMS) are upgraded for the change. It can be a...
As many of you know, before we switch to ICD-10-CM/PCS, we first will be transitioning to HIPAA Version 5010. In fact, that date is less than one year away. By January 1, 2012, providers need to be...
This series of entries will not follow a random bi-weekly topic but will focus on the chronological transition to ICD-10 readiness. My intent is to dispel myths and compare real-world experience in...
CMS recently posted agendas for what will be the last ICD-9-CM Coordination & Maintenance Committee meeting to address code updates for ICD-9 and ICD-10 before the partial code freeze is...
A common question I have been asked lately is whether coders should receive ICD-10 training now, or should they wait until much closer to the implementation date of October 1, 2013? Comments by some...
I was talking with a friend of mine recently about the transition to ICD-10. He is a very good doctor who prefers to leave the “administrative details” to his capable office manager. Although he...
In previous versions of the ICD-10-CM Draft Manual , we were all under the impression that certain conditions, such as malignant versus benign hypertension and uncontrolled versus not stated as...
CMS included nine topics related to ICD-10-CM/PCS on its tentative agenda for the ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting March 9-10. This is the final meeting to address ICD-9-CM and...
So you still think you have plenty of time before the switch to ICD-10-CM/PCS happens, right? After all it’s still too early to start learning the codes. But what have you done to prepare? According...
We should all be in the middle of our plans to transition from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. From planning and budgeting to training and auditing to process and technology changes, the...
