Practice Page: Deadline Approaching to Implement ICD-10 Coding Changes

Implementing ICD-10 will be challenging and costly. Early preparation is vital to survival in rheumatology practices. Using a phased approach with a preparation checklist is the key to success. Below is a list of key areas that should you should take into consideration:

Organize an implementation effort;
Develop a communication plan;
Conduct an impact analysis;
Estimate a budget/cost analysis;
Contact system vendors; and
Educate and train staff.

The ACR will continue to provide education and updates for ICD-10 through webinars, face-to-face training meetings, and sessions at the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in an effort to prepare members and their staff for implementation. For more information, contact Antanya Chung, CPC, CPC-I, CRHC, CCP, director of practice management, at [email protected] or (404) 633-3777.

The ICD-10 page on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website features a countdown clock that shows the time left until Oct. 1, 2015, the date on which compliance with the new code set becomes mandatory. By the time this issue goes to press, the clock will read 90 or fewer days. Time…

Coding changes will have an impact on staff, physicians, and even the finances of rheumatology practices

ICD-10 will change the coding and billing landscape, and practices should start preparing now

The transition to ICD-10 is not just another yearly diagnosis codes update; it is a complete overhaul. This not only will affect providers, but also all payers, vendors and stakeholders are being affected by the expanded ICD-10 code sets through medical coding operations, software systems, reporting, administration, registration and more. With approximately 20 days before…

Prepare NOW for ICD-10 Medical Coding Transition

Plan Now for ICD-10 Changeover

2013–A Whole New World

Preparing for the Transition to ICD-10

Related Articles