Practice Services spotlight: ICD-10 conversion countdown tools
December 2011
The ICD-10-CM conversion on Oct. 1, 2013 will be here before you know it. Have you taken all the necessary steps to ensure that that the ICD-10-CM conversion is as seamless as possible? This major medical coding change requires business and systems changes throughout the health care industry so it’s important to be informed about upcoming deadlines and steps you should begin taking now. In this final article in the Countdown to ICD-10 series, the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) goes over all the important upcoming dates and things you should do to be prepared.
Checklist: To-do before Oct. 13, 2013
Start getting ready for the ICD-10-CM now. How? By following this checklist:
- Identify current systems and work processes that use ICD-9 codes within clinical documentation, encounter forms/superbills, practice management system, electronic health record system, contracts, and public health and quality reporting protocols.
- Contact the practice management system vendor about accommodations for both the Version 5010 that must take place by Jan. 1, 2012 and the ICD-10-CM code update to see if what the plan is to install upgrades.
- Discuss implementation plans with all clearinghouses, billing services and payers to ensure a smooth transition.
- Identify changes to work flow and business processes and make sure coders and clinical staff complete any necessary training.
- Budget for time and costs related to ICD-10-CM implementation, including expenses for system changes, resources and training.
- Conduct internal and external test transactions using Version 5010/ICD-10-CM codes with your payers and clearinghouses.
Below is a compliance timeline for the ICD-10-CM conversion. Make sure you’ve taken these steps in time to meet the deadlines. Please note that some important deadlines have already passed.
| Date |
|
Compliance Step |
| Jan. 1, 2010 |
|
Payers and providers begin internal testing of Version 5010 standards for electronic claims |
| Dec. 31, 2010 |
|
Internal testing of Version 5010 must be complete to achieve Level I Version 5010 compliance |
| Jan. 1, 2011 |
|
- Payers and providers should begin external testing of Version 5010 for electronic claims
- CMS begins accepting Version 5010 claims
- Version 4010 claims continue to be accepted
|
| Dec. 31, 2011 |
|
External testing of Version 5010 for electronic claims must be complete to achieve Level II Version 5010 compliance
|
| Jan. 1, 2012 |
|
- All electronic claims must use Version 5010
- Version 4010 claims are no longer accepted
|
| Oct. 1, 2013 |
|
- Claims for services provided on or after this date must use ICD-10-CM codes for medical diagnosis and inpatient procedures
- CPT codes will continue to be used for outpatient
|