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SmartCodes
Coding is an important part of maintaining an accurate medical record for our patients, as well as a crucial element of the documentation and billing process. A major nationwide effort is underway to update the current U.S. coding system, from what is known as ICD-9 to ICD-10. To keep up with the flow of information and education related to the ICD-10 conversion, SmartCodes will help you quickly and easily get the updates you need to know.
What is ICD-10?
HIPAA legislation enacted in 2009 requires healthcare providers to transition from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM for coding of diagnoses and inpatient procedures, effective with claims submitted on October 1, 2013.
What does that really mean? Every paper and software application, information system and department at PeaceHealth Southwest that uses or generates diagnosis codes will be impacted. Vendors and payers are also working to implement ICD-10 in time for testing and training prior to the deadline.
October 1, 2013 may seem like a long way away, but there is a huge amount of work to be done to be ready. Because of the complex and often competing tasks involved with implementation, this will be a multiyear process. The following groundwork has already been completed for a smooth transition to ICD-10:
- An ICD-10 oversight team has been established for PHSW and PHMG, with physician, nursing, health information services, IT, medical informatics, financial services, and revenue assurance leaders as members. Dave Willie has been appointed as the executive sponsor and liaison with PeaceHealth.
- A charter outlining individual responsibilities and a timeline for reaching compliance has been approved.
- Team members for work groups from each area are in the process of being selected.
- An initial impact assessment has been performed, covering clinical, business and information (software) systems. Key vendors such as McKesson have been contacted to determine their readiness.
- Communication and training needs for all employees are in the process of being evaluated and a branding campaign is being developed by Marketing.
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