What Are Payers Doing to Prepare for ICD-10? 11 Steps From CMS

A recent American Academy of Family Physicians survey found that four of the largest private payers expect to be prepared for the ICD-10 transition. What are payers doing to prepare? Here are 11 steps for testing and transition, suggested by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

April 2013 to Oct.1

•    Revise coverage policies for ICD-10 codes (12-plus months)
•    Develop and complete internal system design and development (9 months)
•    Determine changes to provider contracts
•    April 1, 2013: Begin testing ICD-10 systems within an organization, including internal coding staff, technical staff and vendor (9 months)
•    Monitor vendor/clearinghouse preparedness, identify and addresses gaps (ongoing)
•    Oct. 1, 2013: Begin testing ICD-10 transactions with providers (10 months minimum)
•    Work with vendors/clearinghouses to complete transition to production-ready ICD-10 systems
•    Oct. 1: complete full transition

After Oct. 1

•    ICD-9 codes continue to be used for services provided before Oct. 1
•    ICD-10 codes required for services provided on or before Oct. 1
•    Monitor systems and correct any errors

More Articles on Coding and Billing:
River Valley ASC: Mapping Out a Game Plan for Efficient In-House Billing
The Fast Approaching ICD-10 Deadline: How Can ASC Leaders Prepare?
ICD-9 vs. ICD-10: 12 Differences to Know