Health Information Management

News: CMS says start testing ICD-10 code use now

CDI Strategies, May 23, 2013

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The ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code sets will be implemented on Oct. 1, 2014 – and on that date medical practices and their billing service companies, clearinghouses, and all covered entities and payers will need to use ICD-10 codes.

To ensure that transition, providers need to meet two milestones this year, says CMS.
The first goal—internal testing of ICD-10 code sets—should be underway. Facilities need to work amongst their coding, billing, and clinical staff in each practice and use ICD-10 codes for the diagnoses seen most often to test data, claims, and reports for accuracy.
 
The second target is Oct. 1, 2013—the date to start testing whether external partners (payers and billing services, etc.) are ready to start accepting the codes.
 
In a recent notice, CMS clarified when providers should use the ICD-10 code set. Essentially, if the date of service is prior to Oct. 1 2014, use the ICD-9 code set (even if the claim submission date is after Oct. 1, 2014). Any service provided on or after Oct. 1 2014 must be coded with ICD-10.
 
For additional resources, visit the ICD-10 page on the CMS website.



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