7 AWE-INSPIRING MYTHS ASSOCIATED WITH ICD-10 AND ITS REALITIES

ICD-10 implementation is one of the emerging hot topics in medical transcription domain. In this article; we look at different myths associated with ICD-10 and the realities associated with it. Click here to learn more about these myths.

With each passing year we are coming closer to a technology driven world. We are seeing path-breaking products launched in the market with great proficiency. But technology alone cannot make or break a product. It is also about creating new opportunities by including incremental changes in the original product, to make it universally accepted merchandise.

Going with this flow, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has decided to make major enhancements to the already existing ICD-9 codes. It is known as ICD-10 codes. The transformation from ICD-9 to ICD-10 coding although makes the work of medical practitioners tedious, it also gives them the opportunity to easily track and analyze disease patterns and outcomes of diseases. There are different names for code sets like:

• ICD-10
• ICD-10-CM
• ICD-10-PCS

Let us look at the parlance of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS.

• ICD-10-CM connotes to outpatient services for example; diagnose provided in physician’s office.
• ICD-10-PCS connotes to inpatient services such as hospital stays, beds, nursing services and surgical procedures.

Although ICD-10 implementation will make the life of medical practitioners easier; there are certain sections of audience which are circumspect about the success of ICD-10 implementation. Let us now look at different myths associated with ICD-10 codes, and its realities:

• Myth 1: The penultimate date of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS implementation has not been rolled out; although there are speculations that ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS will be implemented on October 1, 2013.

Reality: Medical entities associated with HIPAA have been given the ultimatum to comply with ICD-10 coding system starting from October 1, 2013. This applies to both dates of discharge and dates of service for all patients occurring on or after that date.

• Myth 2: We can procrastinate for a bit longer before adopting ICD-10 codes in our entity as The Department of Health and Human Services will probably grant an extension for the implementation. Even if they won’t we can cover the ICD-10 training in a couple of weeks time.

Reality: Due to unforeseen circumstances the ICD-10 implementation date can be expended. But at this point of time it is looking absolutely certain that The Department of Health and Human Services will not extend this date and will make sure that the implementation process takes place as planned. Now if there is no prior planning you may lag behind and face compliance issues in future. With ICD-10 implementation the entire scenario of Medical billing and coding will change, and so if you procrastinate you may have to deal with serious compliance issues. Moreover; it is hardly possible for an entity to train their employees on ICD-10 coding system in a very short duration.

• Myth 3: Since ICD-10 consists of large number of codes, it is nearly impossible to go for ICD-10 implementation.

Reality: Although there are large number of codes in ICD-10 and the code set is also longer than ICD-9; it does not make the ICD-10 implementation challenging. It makes the job of Medical Practitioners easier due to the following reasons:

• ICD-10 is more accurate, more specific and logically structured than ICD-9-CM
• Integration of new software will make the life of medical practitioners easier allowing them to track down codes faster than ICD-9
• Myth 4: ICD-10 would lay more emphasis on electronic copies of medical coding. After October 1, 2013 all the coding will be done electronically.

Reality: There are loads of coding books existing in the market on ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS hence; there is no reason to believe that ICD-10 will be more electronic than ICD-9-CM.

• Myth 5: ICD-10 was first initiated in 1993, so there is a possibility that the codes are already out-of-date.

Reality: Although inception of ICD-10 codes happened almost two decades back; there has always been an emphasis on introducing incremental changes in the product. With the continuous development of health care domain; there have been several revisions in codes. These incremental changes in the codes will continue till the point where healthcare community decides to freeze the codes.  Right now the healthcare community believes that the codes can freeze before October 1, 2013. But this will give ample time to medical billers, coders, physicians, and other healthcare workers to learn these codes before their compliance is required.

• Myth 6: ICD-10-PCS will replace Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)

Reality: CPT will not change with ICD-10 implementation. Please note that as specified earlier; ICD-10-PCs are intended only for the purpose of reporting inpatient services such as hospital stays, beds, nursing services and surgical procedures.

• Myth 7:  A lengthy documentation process will be required to be followed after ICD-10 implementation which will bring unnecessary complications to coding and billing process.

Reality: After the successful ICD-10 implementation, there will be a precise documentation process which will be required to be followed. The required information will already be there but it was not being used in ICD-9. The sole purpose of documenting the details is to make sure that the quality of the content is superior. It should also help the medical practitioners to specifically understand the patient problems easily.

ICD-10 implementation promises to provide a new leverage to medical domains across the globe. With the help of these codes, medical practitioners will be able to classify the health information in a proper way thereby maintaining the international standards set for healthcare documentation.

The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 will not be an easy process. It will not only include conversion of codes in your information system, but it also involves supporting accurate codes, improving clinical documentation, increasing coder efficiency and help physicians adapt while minimizing interruption.

Mediscribes has developed a deep insight into the strategic and operational aspects of ICD-10 and the opportunities that lie ahead. We can provide an exhaustive program for ICD-10 training which will include various ICD-10 services mentioned below. We also help you to identify the level of risks, map workflows and convert your systems.

We can offer the following clinical improvements to clients in respect to ICD-10 Implementation:

• Classification of Compliance Risks
• Finer clinical documentation
• Greater effectiveness of coding
• Translate codes
• Map and convert your systems
• Train and test coders and clinical documentation improvement specialists
• Train and support physicians

ICD-10 Services offered by Mediscribes:

• ICD-10 Documentation and Revenue Risk Assessment Services
• ICD-10 Transition planning and Recommendations Services
• ICD-10 Project Management Services
• ICD-10 Modeling and Code Translation Services
• ICD-10 Financial Impact Analysis
• ICD-10 Translation Management Tool

Medical practitioners need to hire an eminent Medical Transcription Company for smooth transition of ICD-10 implementation process in their organization. To learn more about our services click here.