Health Information Management

Providers have one week to volunteer for first wave of ICD-10 end-to-end testing

APCs Insider, September 26, 2014

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By Steven Andrews, Editor
 
CMS has finally released details of its first ICD-10 end-to-end testing opportunity, but providers will have to act fast in order to apply.
 
The testing, scheduled for the week of January 26-30, 2015, requires volunteers to submit forms to their MACs by October 3 in order to have the chance to be chosen. CMS plans to accept approximately 850 volunteers from a cross-section of providers and claims submitters, including clearinghouses.
The goal of the testing, according to CMS, is to prove that:
  • Providers and submitters can successfully submit claims containing ICD-10 codes to the Medicare Fee-For Service claims systems
  • CMS software changes made to support ICD-10 result in appropriately adjudicated claims
  • Accurate Remittance Advices are produced
CMS' 2015 testing plans for ICD-10, which include additional end-to-end tests in April and July, are far more robust than originally planned, thanks to the unexpected ICD-10 implementation delay this spring.
 
Previously, CMS had scheduled only one wave of end-to-end testing for July 2014 that was postponed as a result of the delay. CMS only expected to accept 500 volunteers for that test, so the revamped schedule will allow many more participants to assess their ICD-10 readiness.
 
In order to volunteer, providers should first find the volunteer form on their MAC's website and submit them by October 3. CMS will then review the applications and the selected volunteers will be notified by October 24.The chosen volunteers will also receive additional information at that time about how to perform the test.
 
CMS plans to develop updated educational material for providers and submitters based on issues raised during the testing.



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