ICD-10 Implementation: An update for physicians and coders
The transition to ICD-10 is much more than a mere increase in codes and field sizes. The descriptions of diagnosis codes in ICD-10 may be very different to what coders are used to seeing and using in ICD-9. Therefore, the complexity in transition is significant and shouldn’t be avoided by medical coders.
An easier and successful transition before October 1, 2013 would require a well planned and efficiently managed implementation process. Although the ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation deadline is two years away, good training plans will ensure a smooth transition for physicians, inpatient and outpatient coders.
Browse All: Medical Billing
Impacting Inpatient Coders:
The ICD-10-CM/PCS final rule estimates that inpatient coders will need 50 hours of training. In order to ensure a successful transition, inpatient coders must:
* Possess sufficient foundational knowledge of the biomedical sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, patho physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology) * Learn how to apply ICD-10-CM/PCS codes correctly on inpatient encounters * Understand how to apply maps and crosswalks between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM/PCS
Impacting Outpatient coders:
Outpatient coders would require approximately 16 hours of effective training in ICD-10-CM/PCS, presuming that coders already has the necessary knowledge in biomedical sciences. Other requirements are same as inpatient coders.
Medical coders need to adhere to the stipulated timeline for the various steps of ICD-9 to ICD-10 transition. Though the first phase is already over, the coders can still take assistance from various online resources and webinars conducted by AMA, AAPC, AAHIMA, and many other associations to get the requisite training and prepare for the transition process. Proper training and guidance in using use ICD- 10 will help coders to remain abreast with the changing industry norms and play a vital role in the implementation process for their employers and clients.
Physicians should keep track of the envisaged timeline for implementation of ICD-10 and prepare their clinic for smooth transition through its various phases:
Phase 1: Implementation plan development and impact assessment (first quarter 2009 to second quarter 2011) Phase 2: Implementation preparation (first quarter 2011 to second quarter 2013) Phase 3: “Go live” preparation (first quarter 2013 to third quarter 2013) Phase 4: follow-up post-implementation (fourth quarter 2013 to fourth quarter 2014)
Physicians should also ensure training for in-house coders, or hire coders trained in using ICD-10, as proper coding is required to keep their revenue cycle efficient and optimized. For physician practices or hospitals facing problems in getting their staff upgraded, outsourcing might be a feasible option.
For More information visit: Charlotte,NC Medical Billing, Cleveland,OH Medical Billing
Medicalbillersandcoders.com is the largest consortium of Medical Billers and Coders in the United States. We offer Medical Billing (http://www.medicalbillersandcoders.com/), Charlotte,NC Medical Billing (http://www.medicalbillersandcoders.com/city/charlotte-northcarolina-medical-billing-specialist.html), Cleveland,OH Medical Billing (http://www.medicalbillersandcoders.com/city/cleveland-ohio-medical-billing-specialist.html).
Related News:
CollaborateMD Surpasses $1 Billion in Claims Annually
CollaborateMD (formerly ClaimGear), a leading provider of Internet-based medical billing and practice management solutions for physician offices and medical billing services, announced today that it now provides medical billing software ...more
DMN Newswire, CA
Electronic Medical Records Software Provider Offers EMR Software For All Health Care Professions
Over their many years in business, the software designers have taken input from physicians, office managers, billing consultants, and many other medical ...more
PRLog.Org, Romania
CMA-backed Clinical Management System (CMS) one of two new Application Service Provider (ASP) Offerings selected by OntarioMD for use by doctors
About Practice Solutions Software Practice Solutions Software was established in 1982 and acquired in 2004 by the Canadian Medical Association through CMA ...more
Canada NewsWire (press release), Canada
Medical Billing Software Concept
More than ten years ago medical billing records were committed on paper. The advent of computers and the introduction of reliable medical billing software have largely phased out the paper system of keeping medical billing records.
Reduce Medical Billing Time and Overhead Costs for Your Medical Practice
Learn how you can save time and money with these medical billing tips. Discover how medical billing services or medical billing software can benefit your practice.
Medical Billing Services (The Facts) All You Need to Know
This article is full of information regarding out-sourcing medical billing. It has some essential questions that need to be asked if you are considering out-sourcing your medical billing. You can have all need to start making those decisions on what you want to do.
Medical Billing Courses Online Should Not Be
Sure it would be easy for someone to tell you what good online medical billing courses should be comprised of. However, by showing you what they SHOULD NOT be will make a more dramatic impact on you so you will remember them instantly when researching an online course.
Meeting Medicaid Billing Needs with Sensitive Medical Billing Software
Medicaid billing requires medical billing software that is versatile and sensitive enough to work with Medicaid. Medicaid is state subsidization of medical expenses paid on behalf of qualified low-income individuals or families. Though requirements differ in each state, the payment is made directly to the medical practice or service provider.
What Makes a Good Medical Billing and Transcription Company
In the recent years, the outsourcing industry has expanded to include not just call centers but also companies that provide administration support such as medical billing and medical transcription services.
Medical Billing and Coding: An Important Process for Patients and Doctors
Whether you realize it or not, if you've ever been to a doctor's office or any other type of medical office, you've been involved with medical billing and coding. Most people are never aware of the standard practice regarding how medical claims are paid.
Five Key Benefits of Using Medical Billing Software for Your Medical Practice
Learn five key benefits of using medical billing software or services. Become an advanced MD with today's modern technology and watch your practice grow.
Medical Billing and Practice Management Software: Luxury or Necessity?
If you are sick of losing patients because you are disorganized and are mad at insurance companies for refusing to pay because of errors in the payment submission, you need to consider medical billing or practice management software. Here are some tips to consider when attempting to buy this very important piece of software.
3 Reasons Why Medical Billing Software is Leading the Way
Since technology changes so quickly, it is hard to begin by saying “in the old days . . . ,” but that seems to fit the best. In the old days, medical companies, service providers, and almost any other business which used automated billing enjoyed the convenience of logging on to a database
Medical Billing Software - The Partner of Medical Practitioners
To keep track of hospital or clinic finances, payments, and patient records, a lot of doctors and hospital administrators already make use of the various medical billing software products available. Should you use one, too? Read on so you can make an informed decision.
Medical Billing Software Provides Easy Access to 2005 CPT Code Book
Multiple data bases, multiple servers, superbills, synchronization, multiple logins, reports, backups, workstations. Honestly, there is enough to worry about already in managing medical offices. On top of all of that there are multiple codes to remember and refer to?
Medical Billing Software takes the Stage
The practice is running smoothly, with patients coming in and out with smiles on their faces because of the great service your practice is providing. At the end of the day, you review the office secretary’s billing records and realize you are behind, again.
ROI Analysis for an ASP Practice Management System for the Medical Industry
Executive Summary Within this document, you will see detailed financial analysis and real world scenarios that will demonstrate the exponential cost savings that can be achieved with an ASP medical practice management software for all of your billing needs.
Medical-Billing.com to Revolutionize Electronic Medical Recordkeeping With National Patient Registry
Medical-Billing.com announces their plans for a National Patient Registry which will make patients' medical records more accessible without compromising privacy, which will benefit physicians, insurance providers, and patients alike.