In a recent poll, nearly half of physicians reported they will not be ready for the upcoming ICD-10 transition, according to Medscape.
Here are eight things to know:
1. A reported 25 percent of physicians claimed they will not be ready by Oct. 1.
2. An additional 25 percent of physicians said they are unsure when they will be ready.
3. Many physicians are reliant on their software to prepare them for the transition. If their software is not up-to-date, physicians cannot enter codes or test the systems.
4. Many organizations do not take advantage of the additional time to get ready for the ICD-10 transition, despite there already being three delays.
5. The survey was conducted before The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the announcement that claims will not be denied or audited solely on the exact ICD-10 diagnosis codes entered, provided the physician submitted the correct family of codes.
6. However, experts claim small physician practices will still be hit hard with the transition with two-thirds of physicians working in small practice. They simply lack the resources available for the transition.
7. Other experts claim the flexibility will be misinterpreted as the flexibility does not apply to physicians attempting to submit claims. Rather, it applies solely to the auditing process.
8. CMS revealed it will have an ombudsman to receive and amend physicians and provider issues with ICD-10.
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