carrier for prompt reimbursement. Of course, there are electronic solutions available to assist you in obtaining the correct codes. These include the robust electronic medical records from Epic and 3M’s software, which provide coding abstract solutions. Other companies have indicated readiness but have failed to deliver comprehensive, accurate ICD-10 codes that will enable reimbursement. By planning and preparing for ICD-10 implementation today, you can offer an opportunity for everyone to practice and test the new system before the anticipated implementation date of October 1, 2015. Ensuring that all systems can accept the nuances of the expanded code set, the use of the placeholder, and the overall format is conducive to efficient, effective operations and should be happening today so that all glitches are identified and corrected. Some examples include rejecting the “X” used for the placeholder, misplaced decimal points in the new code set, and ICD-10 descriptions that roll over to fields that can compromise other important details on a claim or other document. Reliance on an electronic solution is important, since there is 32 HBMA BILLING • JULY.AUGUST.2014 not a one-to-one crosswalk between ICD-9 and ICD-10. Therefore, the concept of the encounter form or charge ticket must change. Instead of a list of codes, a few lines for listing the ICD-10 code or descriptor are all that will fit on the newly formatted document. An easy solution that is readily available will enable providers to meet with success in implementing ICD-10 codes. However, documentation must support the selected codes or carriers will deny claims. Even if a practice has a robust solution for ICD-10, accurate use and avoiding unspecified codes will ensure ongoing reimbursement. By utilizing electronic solutions to help you in this endeavor, you will make your clients’ transition to ICD-10 easier, ensure accurate coding, and achieve a more consistent cash flow. ■ Valerie Fernandez is the assistant director of health information management, and previously the ICD-10 quality assurance manager at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. She also holds a CPC and CPC-H from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). She served as president of the midtown Manhattan chapter and president for the Manhattan chapter of the AAPC. OWNER’S & MANAGER’S CONFERENCE 2014 OCTOBER 23-25 THURSDAY – SATURDAY CHICAGO, ILLINOIS REGISTER TODAY AT www.hbma.org
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