CMS has launched a new ICD-10 online resource built with the help of small practice physicians.
The “Road to 10” is intended to help small medical practices jumpstart their ICD-10 transition.
The free Road to 10 includes specialty references and gives providers the capability to build ICD-10 action plans tailored for their practice needs. To date, specialty references — which include common codes, primers for clinical documentation and clinical scenarios — are available for family practices, pediatrics, OB/GYN, cardiology, orthopedics and internal medicine. Practices can also build their own action plan, regardless of specialty.
Also available on the Road to 10 website are links to webcast recordings on ICD-10 documentation and coding concepts for several specialties.
With the transition to ICD-10 delayed to October 2015, practices of all sizes would be wise to take advantage of the extra time to become familiar with the new coding system.
Even if they do so, providers are likely to face disruptions in their payments once the transition to ICD-10 codes is made and practices are likely to find submitting accurate, complete claims challenging due to the significantly different and more complex nature of the ICD-10 code set compared to ICD-9.
To reduce the negative impact of these scenarios, consider outsourcing your billing to an electronic medical billing company such as PGM Billing. Outsourcing is an effective way to significantly reduce the costs, time and stress associated with ICD-10 implementation while ensuring you continue to capture the reimbursement you organization rightly earns.