2015 is here and with the ICD-10 coding standard deadline set for October 2015, organizations and providers continue to ready themselves for the new coding. Here’s what’s happening …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be conducting a weeklong ICD-10 end-to end test using approximately 850 volunteer providers. Providers had until January 21 to submit an application to be one of the volunteers taking part in testing event which will occur between April 26 and May 1. The goal of the test is to have providers successfully submit claims using ICD-10 codes to the Medicare Fee-For Service (FFS) claims systems, to see that CMS software changes resulted in appropriately adjudicated claims, and to make sure that accurate remittance occurs.
The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC) has joined the Coalition for ICD-10 to provide support for adoption of ICD-10 bringing with it their substantially influential members, Johnson & Johnson, Walgreens and Weight Watchers. Over 3,400 hospital and 110,000 other providers are a part of the Coalition and they plan to continue their efforts to collaborate creating updated plans, programs and policies for improvements in affordability and quality of care to patients. Back in November the Coalition had urged Congressional leaders to not implement further delays stating that they were costly and disruptive.
Marilyn Tavenner recently stepped down as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Her tenure was marked by the calamitous opening of the HealthCare.gov website and there are continued controversies surrounding the Affordable Care Act, with her having acknowledged that certain enrollment numbers were miscalculated. Leadership changes always present challenges for any organization. The step down has some wondering who is next and many wondering, “what does this mean for ICD-10? “
With Medisoft, your ICD-10 transition can be smooth. To beat the last-minute rush and prevent any interruption to your practice’s cash flow, please contact Microwize Technology at 800-955-0321 for information on Medisoft practice management software.