Physicians may have more time to dedicate to other practice concerns following a delay of the ICD-10 coding system, according to an American Medical News report.
HHS announced in February that it will delay the compliance deadline, though a new date has not yet been set. The American Medical Association is continuing to oppose ICD-10 and is encouraging another alternative to ICD-9. The conversion to ICD-10 will increase the number of code sets from 13,000 to 68,000, a change the AMA has said is unnecessary and burdensome for physicians.
The delay may give physicians time to focus on more pressing issues while they prepare for the eventual implementation of ICD-10, analysts say. According to Rob Tennant, senior policy advisor for the MGMA, said physicians should prioritize compliance and incentives as they prepare to meet various regulatory deadlines. He said as they look for technology needed for compliance deadlines, they should consider how that technology can meet meaningful use and ICD-10.
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HHS announced in February that it will delay the compliance deadline, though a new date has not yet been set. The American Medical Association is continuing to oppose ICD-10 and is encouraging another alternative to ICD-9. The conversion to ICD-10 will increase the number of code sets from 13,000 to 68,000, a change the AMA has said is unnecessary and burdensome for physicians.
The delay may give physicians time to focus on more pressing issues while they prepare for the eventual implementation of ICD-10, analysts say. According to Rob Tennant, senior policy advisor for the MGMA, said physicians should prioritize compliance and incentives as they prepare to meet various regulatory deadlines. He said as they look for technology needed for compliance deadlines, they should consider how that technology can meet meaningful use and ICD-10.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing & Collections:
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New Jersey Proposes to Limit How Much Physicians, ASCs Charge for Outpatient Care
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