ICD-10: T Minus 4 Months

In April, the Senate repealed the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) without any reference to delaying ICD-10 as the prior SGR fix had done. So, it looks like ICD-10 is on for October 1, 2015.

But wait, there’s more!

At the end of April, Texas Representative Ted Poe introduced the “Cutting Costly Codes Act of 2015” (resurrected CCCA of 2013). This proposed act would prohibit HHS from replacing ICD-9 with ICD-10 indefinitely (no time period indicated) in addition to requiring the GAO to conduct a study to identify steps that can be taken to mitigate the disruption on healthcare providers resulting from the replacement of ICD-9. The AMA has come out in support of this bill. Its passing is considered a long-shot, however.

But wait, there’s even more.

In May, Representative Diane Black introduced the “Transitioning Effectively Now Act” (ICD-TEN Act) which would not halt or delay ICD10 or require the acceptance of dual-coding, it would, however, require HHS to conduct comprehensive end-to-end testing to test functionality available to all providers and suppliers. Testing has been successful for HHS but not all providers were able to participate. The bill also would implement an 18-month “safe harbor” transitional period after October 1, 2015 to protect providers should they make a minor mistake using the wrong ICD-10 sub code and prevent the rejection of claims and denial of payment based solely on sub-coding specificity during the implementation phase.

So what’s a provider to do? That is simple! Just get trained in ICD-10 to take off the pressure! ICD-10 is not any harder than ICD-9- it is just different in some ways. Info Services, Inc. is offering three more classroom chances to learn the overall structure of ICD-10 PLUS a special OBGYN class at a price that can’t be beat. In addition, we have ONLINE – short topical classes available for only $79! Find out more information HERE.

KEEP CALM and LEARN ICD-10-CM!