Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement - 2011 Issue 2
ICD-10: Most Practices 'Surprised' By How All-Encompassing ICD-10 Transition Has Been
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Article Overview
This article covers early ICD-10 transition planning for medical practices and summarizes guidance shared in a CMS-sponsored provider teleconference. It focuses on the broad operational impact of moving to ICD-10, suggested implementation phases, and the kinds of organizational areas that practices should review as part of readiness efforts. It is useful for practice managers, coders, billing teams, compliance staff, and other stakeholders preparing for ICD-10 adoption.
Why This Topic Matters
ICD-10 transition affects many parts of a practice beyond coding alone, so early planning is important for timeline, staffing, systems, education, and workflow readiness. The article helps readers understand the general scope of preparation expected before implementation.
Article Sections
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Transition timing and CMS guidance
Introduces the implementation timeline and the CMS teleconference context for the guidance discussed in the article. It emphasizes the need for practices to prepare ahead of the effective date.
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Start preparing right now
Summarizes the article’s discussion of the importance of beginning ICD-10 planning early. It outlines the overall approach to organizing the transition effort.
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Four phases of implementation planning
Describes the phased structure used to organize ICD-10 readiness work over multiple years. The section presents the major stages of planning, preparation, go-live readiness, and follow-up.
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Implement your phase one steps
Covers the early planning activities practices should complete first, including governance, education, and transition strategy development. It also addresses identifying impacted areas and building a project plan.
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Know where it counts
Reviews the types of forms, reports, and processes that practices may need to review during transition planning. The section focuses on operational assessment rather than coding specifics.
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Vendor contact
Addresses coordination with external business associates and vendors regarding readiness and system changes. It highlights the need to understand support plans and potential upgrades.
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Know your budget
Discusses the categories of resources and costs practices should consider when planning for the transition. The section focuses on budgeting and resource assessment.
What You Will Learn
- How ICD-10 transition planning was framed in the CMS-sponsored guidance referenced by the article.
- Why practices were encouraged to begin implementation planning early.
- How a multi-phase approach can organize ICD-10 readiness work.
- Which broad operational areas practices should assess during transition planning.
- Why vendor coordination and budgeting are part of ICD-10 preparation.
Who Should Read This
- Medical practice managers
- Professional coders
- Billing staff
- Compliance personnel
- Health information management professionals
- Practice administrators
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