Last October saw an increase in diagnostic codes from about 13,000 to 68,000, with the implementation of ICD-10. Although most physicians saw the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 as daunting, many now say the process proved smoother than anticipated, according to HealthcareDIVE.
Here are five observations:
1. The American Academy of Family Physicians found the error rate for claims was 10 percent, which is the same rate as under ICD-9.
2. The American Medical Association also noted there was not a significant increase in Medicare claims rejections with the transition to ICD-10.
3. Although much easier than expected, providers still struggled with EHR workflows under ICD-10. It is recommended that providers collaborate with their EHR vendors to upgrade for heightened specificity.
4. Another complication involves the fact that diagnostic codes are still associated with a fee-for-service billing model.
5. Looking to the future, CMS updated its question-and-answer page on ICD-10 flexibilities. CMS noted physicians should now be coding at an extremely high level of specificity.
