Ready, (Code) Set, GO...What You Need to Know About the Approaching ICD-10 Conversion

October 1, 2013.
For those of us in the healthcare industry, that’s the date that was announced back in January 2009 as the appointed day when ICD-10 conversion will occur. From that October 1st, 2013, we can never look back at ICD-9, plead for grace or vie for more time for implementation. At that time, everyone must be compliant without exception if they hope to be paid by public and private health plans.

As a part of the healthcare industry, you know very well that this date is how close and important. The two years that remain to prepare for a conversion of this magnitude are a blip on the screen. There’s much to know, consider and do to be ready, for you and your clients.

Here are some key points that will help you be prepared in your business and be the go-to resource clients need at this juncture.

1. ICD-10 code sets hold real promise.
It’s helpful to remember the intention of this mass conversion while we’re mired in the preparation. This 10th incarnation of the World Health Organization’s ICD (International Classification of Diseases) will be more specific with enhanced clinical information integrated, making it far more than just a revision of the existing ICD-9 codes. When ICD-10 code sets are the standard, our industry will likely see reduced payment errors, quicker reimbursements and significantly improved data sharing worldwide. Ultimately, we will all benefit from ICD-10’s more globally unified, meaningful reporting of diagnoses—a fact that, perhaps, makes the preparation for conversion more tolerable.

2. The HIPAA 5010 update is a looming milestone in the journey to ICD-10 compliance.
By January 1, 2012, all healthcare organizations must upgrade to the 5010 version of the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). This is a necessary action because the current 4010/4010A1 versions are unable to accommodate ICD-10 codes and will be obsolete at the point of conversion. The disparity between dates of the 5010 transition and ICD-10 conversion exists to allow ample time for testing and trouble-shooting. Of course, this requirement is relevant to any technology or service business in a role of support for providers, payers and other entities covered by HIPAA; Emdeon is well ahead of the game in terms of readiness for the 5010 switch.

3. The ICD-10 conversion date is immovable industry wide.
No matter the size, scope or function of an organization, it must be in compliance on (or before) October 1st, 2013. The long-established conversion date is firm for providers of all types and stripes, public and private payers and industry support services such as clearinghouses and technology vendors. There is simply no delaying ICD-10, thus we need every day between now and then to finish getting ready.

4. ICD-10 conversion affects the business of healthcare from the inside out.
This conversion is about so much more than revised code sets. As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website reminds us, this ICD-10 conversion (along with the 5010 transition) demands organizations to alter many aspects of operations. Software must be updated and installed, personnel must be educated and trained, workflows must be revised, and manuals and other materials must be rewritten and produced anew in time for implementation. That’s why the industry allotted more than four years for the process and why the two years remaining before implementation are so critical.

5. You play an important role in conversion as a partner to your clients.
ICD-10 conversion runs deep into the fiber of any healthcare organization, ultimately impacting workflows, workforce and system wide processes. Though conversion is too comprehensive and intricate for an organization to completely outsource, you can bring automated, compliant technology to lighten your clients’ loads. With Emdeon’s advanced solutions and leading edge knowledge in your toolkit, you can help your clients clear the path for ICD-10 compliance by the October 1st, 2013 deadline.

Stay in touch for ICD-10 updates at hipaasimplified.com!

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