Making the transition from using ICD-9 diagnosis and inpatient procedure codes to the updated ICD-10 code sets can be difficult for any healthcare organization. However, starting October 1, 2015, all HIPAA-covered healthcare entities will be required to make the switch. At 1st Providers Choice, we are committed to helping our clients make a seamless transition to ICD-10. Our practice management software is ready for the upgrade, ensuring physicians are able to meet the new standards without any complications or disruption to workflow.
About ICD-10 Code Sets
The 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases will be required for use in all HIPAA-covered healthcare settings effective October 2015 due to the fact that the currently used ICD-9 codes are outdated, not descriptive enough, and often produce inaccurate or limited data. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is also urging non-covered HIPAA entities, such as Workers’ Compensation, to use the new coding system, as ICD-9 will no longer be maintained once ICD-10 rolls out.
ICD-10 consists of two parts:
- ICD-10-CM for diagnosis coding, which uses 3 to 7 digits (instead of the 3 to 5 digits used with ICD-9).
- ICD-10-PCS for inpatient procedure coding, which uses 7 alphanumeric digits (instead of the 3 or 4 numeric digits used with ICD-9), making it much more specific.
While ICD-9 consists of approximately 13,000 diagnosis codes and 11,000 procedure codes, ICD-10 has about 68,000 and 87,000 respectively. Many of the codes are only slightly different, though, allowing providers to specify a side of the body or differentiate between an initial encounter, subsequent encounter, and sequelae (condition resulting from another disease, injury or event).
Let our team help you transition smoothly to the new standards. Call 480-782-1116 to speak with one of our representatives.
The Leading ICD-10 Ready PM Software
At 1st Providers Choice, we know how crucial it is for you to get your claims paid on time – and we are committed to helping you prepare for the ICD-10 conversion date. Although CMS and other payers won’t start processing ICD-10 claims until Oct. 1, 2015, we are currently working with hospitals and healthcare practices to install our ICD-10 ready EMR/PM software and test that it capable of processing ICD-10 claims correctly. This includes testing eligibility verification, quality reporting, and other transactions and processes using ICD-10. We also offer billing and collections services so that you can focus on your patients and leave ICD-10 matters to us.
Want to learn more about ICD-10? Enroll in our ICD-10 Education program.
