Steps You Can Take To Help Your Healthcare IT Clients Prepare For ICD-10
By Megan Williams, contributing writer
Chances are you currently have, or very soon will have, a few client who are dragging their feet on ICD-10 preparedness.
They’re likely banking on another deadline delay, or questioning the need for training. In this article from Advanced Health Network Mike Patel, CEO of Meditab Software, reminds us though, the switch to ICD-10 is the biggest financial system change since the 1983 Prospective Payment System, so you will likely need to take them through some very basic steps in getting ready to upgrade to the new coding system.
The Importance Of The Shift
Business Solutions previously has discussed the reasons ICD-10 will have a huge impact on your clients, and the healthcare system at large, but it’s worth keeping in mind that, while painful, a more detailed coding system will benefit the entire U.S. healthcare system, especially physicians, who will now be able to describe in more precise detail the diseases and conditions affecting their patients.
The Advance Health Network article highlights statistics around office-based practice response to the transition to ICD-10, citing a survey by the MGMA-ACPME that states 71 percent of respondents surveyed indicated that in order to accommodate the transition, their EHRs were either already upgraded, in need of upgrade, need replacement — or are unsure which.
The Impact Of The Shift
The biggest impact your clients will feel right now is the need for training. All coders will be required to take a minimum number of ICD-10-specific CEUs before the October 15 compliance date. It’s also very likely that a review of the current medical records will need to be performed, to see if their existing documentation contains enough information for a smooth transition to 10.
The Steps To Preparation
Along with this analysis, Patel also provides the outline of a process for walking any organization or practice through basic ICD-10 preparedness. He suggests tasks that VARs and other IT solutions providers can assist with, including understanding all current systems that use ICD-9 (electronic medical records [EMR], billing, and reporting), identifying hardware upgrade costs, and making sure your client takes advantage of all training vendors offer. You can also help them plan for the time and finances it will take to have their systems ready for ICD-10.
To review results of CMS’ own testing efforts, read ICD-10 Issues Highlighted By CMS Testing Week.