As with the change to Version 5010, one of the major concerns will be in the IT area. Not only will the expanded ICD-10 code set need to be added to the computer systems, but different programs may be required to communicate with each other for statistical or management reasons.
Updating the payment system is stressed due to the fact that the ICD-10 code sets far exceed those of ICD-9. ICD-10 coding of diseases includes health related conditions and provides a higher specificity at the sixth-digit level with the extension of a seventh digit. The use of these additional codes will not be optional.
Other less technological parts of the practice will also be affected. For example, a practice’s billing sheet or superbill will have to be changed, and probably expanded, to include many more diagnostic possibilities.
After the initial learning phase, users may find the new system is actually easier to use. “ICD-10 is much more versatile than ICD-9,” says Dr. Kay. “Once we get used to using it, it will be a much easier classification system to use since similar types of diseases are grouped together. It is a much more precise comprehensive system of classifying disease.”
Resources Available
The ACR will be very active in helping rheumatologists and their staff prepare for both Version 5010 and ICD-10 implementation.
“The practice management section of the website (www.rheumatology.org) will have frequently updated links to Version 5010 and ICD-10 resources,” says Chung. “That is only a part of what will be available through the College.”
Through its practice management office, ACR will also be sponsoring webinars and other training classes. For at least the next three years, this will be a subject of presentations at the ACR/ ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting. The ACR website will also include links to outside sources, such as CMS and other related associations.
“This is not something that practices are going to be able to download from the Internet and install on their computers the day before,” says Chung. “Physicians and their practices will need extensive training to be ready for the transition and should stay in touch with ACR and attend courses. This is not one of those changes where individuals will be able to play catch up—this will shake the core of rheumatology practices because services will not be paid if the coding and billing systems do not meet the necessary criteria!”
Kurt Ullman is a freelance journalist based in Indiana.
