ICD-10 Implementation Challenges & Taking Action
Documentation? Training? Vendor readiness? Coding? Billing? Where do I start?
There are many ICD-10 implementation challenges a medical practice faces.
• How will I properly document my medical records to support the coding and billing of the new ICD-10 coding system?
• Will my billing system be able to process ICD-9 for dates of service prior to October 1, 2014 that may need to be rebilled or followed up?
• Payor systems are supposed to be ready for ICD-10. How will I know that the payor processed my claims correctly?
• How will my staff manage the extra work load that is inevitable during the transition period?
• How much is this going to cost me???
According to CMS, Providers should plan to test their ICD-10 systems early, to help ensure compliance. Beginning steps in the testing phase include:
• Internal testing of ICD-10 systems
• Coordination with payers to assess readiness
• Project plan launch by data management and IT teams
For providers who have not yet started to transition to ICD-10, below are actions steps to take now:
• Develop an implementation plan and communicate the new system changes to your organization, your business plan, and ensure that leadership and staff understand the extent of the effort the ICD-10 transition requires.
• Secure a budget that accounts for software upgrades/software license costs, hardware procurement, staff training costs, work flow changes during and after implementation, and contingency planning.
• Talk with your payers, billing and IT staff, and vendors to confirm their readiness status.
• Coordinate your ICD-10 transition plans among your partners and evaluate contracts with payers and vendors for policy revisions, testing timelines, and costs related to the ICD-10 transition.
• Create and maintain a timeline that identifies tasks to be completed and crucial milestones/relationships, task owners, resources needed, and estimated start and end dates.
Habanero, Inc. is available to assist in preparing you and your staff for ICD-10 Implementation. Our Implementation Roadmap seminar will guide you in developing your own customized plan for your business or practice. If you don’t have the time or resources, our consultants can help. Call 631.244.5661 or see our full in-house training schedule for more information.
