ICD 10 Transition – Get Prepared For Implementation Of ICD-10 Codes

Healthcare professionals have been hearing about ICD-10, the diagnosis code system that is to replace ICD-9, for years now. However, medical offices are still using ICD-9 codes to describe diagnoses; but that is only until October 1, 2014, when ICD-10 will finally be going into effect.

A number of ICD-9 codes have become outdated and their descriptors are also now obsolete. To keep current with the latest medical technology, procedures, and terminology, the 30-year old ICD-9 will be replaced next year.

What are ICD Codes?

ICD, or International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, provides alphanumeric codes to classify diseases, and report symptoms, injuries, diseases, and conditions. This code set is updated at least once a year based on the feedback given by the providers and payers. ICD-10 is the 10th revision of the ICD diagnosis code system. Everyone in the healthcare industry who is covered by the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) will be required to transition to ICD-10.  

The ICD code set comprises:

1.         Volume 1: This is a numeric list that classifies diseases by their cause (etiology) and their analysis (anatomy).
2.          Volume 2: This is a numeric list alphabetic index that coders use to find codes in Volume 1.
3.          Volume 3: This is a procedural classification that has a tabular section and an index. It is generally used only by hospitals.

ICD codes are similar to CPT® codes, except that the latter identifies the services provided while the former explain the diagnosis on the claim form.

Some quick ICD-10 facts

1.         ICD-10 will have two systems--ICD-10-CM, which is the diagnostic coding system for all healthcare applications; and ICD-10-PCS, a procedural coding system for use only on in-patients
2.         ICD-10-CM will replace ICD-9-CM volumes 1 and 2, and ICD-10-PCS will replace ICD-9-CM volume 3
3.        the first character of each ICD-10 code is alphabetical. For example, P57.9 (Kernicerus of newborn) and J81 (Pulmonary oedema).

Know how ICD-9 is different

CMS clarifies on its Web site that ICD-9 codes have a structure different from ICD-10 codes. “Currently, ICD-9 codes are mostly numeric and have 3 to 5 digits. ICD-10 codes are alphanumeric and contain 3 to 7 characters. ICD-10 is more robust and descriptive with “one-to-many” matches in some instances.”

Prepare for the next step

Many practices have already started educating themselves about ICD-10 implementation and learning how some of their common diagnoses will change in the new code set. Are you ready for it? Do you know everything you need to know about it?

The transition is not going to be easy and will not happen in a day. It is a good idea to start preparing early to avoid any last-minute errors. You can begin your testing by following these steps:

1.        Testing the ICD-10 systems internally in your practice
2.        Check with your payers to assess their readiness
3.        Ensure slick data management and update your IT teams

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