ICD-10:Final Countdown: Take 6 Steps to Prepare for October ICD-10 Transition

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand the major operational areas that can affect ICD-10 readiness and claim performance. The guidance is relevant for organizations planning education, documentation updates, workflow testing, and coding review ahead of implementation.

Article Sections

1. Make Training & Education Top Priority

   Discusses the need for staff education and role-based ICD-10 preparation across the organization. The section emphasizes coding and documentation readiness for personnel involved in patient records and billing.

2. Prepare for Documentation Improvements

   Covers the broader documentation changes associated with the ICD-10-CM transition. It also addresses the need to update internal materials and involve additional clinical staff in preparation efforts.

3. Perform Readiness Testing to Seal the Deal

   Describes testing with payers, vendors, and related systems before implementation. The section focuses on operational readiness for claims processing and reporting workflows.

4. Practice Dual Coding to Perfect Your ICD-10 Skills

   Addresses using dual coding as a preparation exercise during the transition period. It also notes tracking coding time to evaluate workflow impact.

5. Keep a Close Watch on Your Claims

   Discusses post-transition claims monitoring and follow-up planning. The section highlights the importance of oversight during the early implementation period.

6. Study Your Most-Used Codes

   Explains reviewing commonly used diagnosis code patterns and comparing them across the two coding systems. It also references CMS resources and general categories of ICD-10-CM change.