Transition to ICD-10: ICD-10: 5 forecasts about the Oct. 1 ICD-10 launch and how to prepare

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers gauge the operational and administrative impact of the ICD-10 transition and understand the broad areas practices needed to plan for before the launch date.

Article Sections

1. Prediction #1: Most practices will encounter cash-flow problems

   Discusses expected financial pressure during the transition and broad preparation themes for managing practice cash flow.

2. Prediction #2: Expect an initial 20% drop in coder productivity

   Covers anticipated productivity effects on coding, billing, and physician documentation, along with general training themes.

3. Prediction #3: Vendor issues will be the most prevalent implementation barrier

   Reviews concerns about software readiness, vendor coordination, and testing as part of implementation planning.

4. Prediction #4: The “flexibilities” announced by CMS will have little to no impact on physician practices

   Summarizes discussion of CMS guidance and how practices viewed its practical effect on ICD-10 preparation and training.

5. Prediction #5: The amount of disruption to your day-to-day workflow will be minimal if you’ve prepared properly

   Focuses on overall workflow readiness, training, testing, and the broad relationship between preparation and disruption.