Abstract
Some practices are still not prepared for the medical coding conversion. Some practices may be well on their way, but others might need some last minute tips now that the time has passed. Focusing on areas such as your budget, training, coding and technology will help you get a quick start on your planning. Practices that have been slow to get started should start planning now so they won’t miss out on any reimbursements come October. These blogs will give you some key areas to focus on even after the deadline.
Tip #4 Optimize your coding
The biggest effort required in the transition is going to fall squarely on the shoulders of those who use the new codes for diagnosis and reimbursement. Analyze your top ICD-9 codes to determine the impact your new ICD-10 code set will have on your practice. Educate yourself on how ICD-10 will change the codes you use most.
The switch is going to slow down the coding process for both clinicians and coding staff, which will lead to a decrease in clinical efficiency and productivity. To avoid any negative affect, the backlog will have on your cash flow, you might want to consider getting some coding assistance during your transition. You’ll need to ensure that you retain your current coding staff while possibly hiring more. That’s not going to be easy in an environment where everyone will be clamoring for extra coding help. The best solution is turning to practice management systems that can help you bridge the gap when you can’t afford or find extra coding help. When it comes to coding, “Carefully planned automation can boost efficiency and productivity.“1 Software applications include powerful ICD-10 search features that allow users to search by a word, a phrase, or a single code. The results will allow coders to drill down into the ICD-10 sub codes.
To ease the burden that the sheer number and specificity of the new coding system puts on private practices, the CMS has created a welcome grace period. For 12 months after ICD-10 implementation, Medicare review contractors will not deny physician or other practitioner claims billed under the Part B physician fee schedule through either automated medical review or complex medical record review based solely on the specificity of the ICD-10 diagnosis code as long as the physician/practitioner used a valid code from the right family of codes.2
The AdvancedMD MyICD-10 Timeline is a one-stop location for ICD-10 training and education. We are continuously posting new resources and helpful progress roadmaps to help you get ready for the conversion to ICD-10. The month-by-month timeline will assist you in your current plan. Learn how AdvancedMD will be a powerful partner in your ICD–10 conversion.
AdvancedMD EHR and AdvancedMD practice management are fully prepared for ICD-10.
Schedule a live demo of AdvancedMD catered to your practice today.
