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Though the transition to ICD-10 will take effect on October 1, 2014, coding expert Donna Stewart suggests performing an impact analysis now to understand how the new coding rules will impact your imaging organization productivity and provide benchmark information to track its improvement. It’s the subject of this issue’s E-News Exclusive. (Understanding its effect on your organization’s coding process is a key part of a larger article on ICD-10 preparedness that will run in our March issue.)
— Jim Knaub, editor |
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How Might ICD-10 Affect Your Coding Process?
Test It and Find Out
By Donna Stewart, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CHCO
Imaging departments performing a high volume of radiological procedures will most likely see their coding productivity impacted by the transition to ICD-10. Diagnosis codes currently total approximately 14,000, but this number will grow to roughly 68,000 on October 1, 2014. ICD-10 codes will increase to as many as seven characters in length and are alphanumeric. The current ICD system is only three to five digits with some alpha characters.
The most effective solution for monitoring the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 is to perform an impact analysis. Trace ICD-9-CM codes to see how they currently are chosen and reported. If you understand how you use ICD-9 codes today, you can verify these processes will work in the future and make plans for necessary changes.
Charge capture will certainly be impacted because of the changeover. Test your current charge capture productivity levels. Once your system is ICD-10 ready, test productivity levels again. Continue to monitor results prior to implementation and after go-live. Review workflows, test for ICD-10 productivity, and revise staffing plans as needed. A flow chart is an excellent tool to map the processes impacted by ICD-10 in your organization and allow you to prepare for the transition.
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