Will your organization be ready to “flip the switch”?
In an effort to improve quality and efficiency of care, national healthcare systems are undergoing a transformation upgrade from the current ICD -9 to ICD-10-CM/PCS and information exchanges of electronic health record (EHR) technology. This transformation is mandated by the Department of Health and Human Services. All healthcare systems are required to “go live” with ICD -10-CM/PCS, October 1, 2015. This transition will have a large impact on information systems, such as, change to alphanumeric compositions, redefining code values and their meanings, longer code descriptors, flat file expansions and system interfaces.
What Does ICD 9/10 Mean?
What Does ICD 9/10 Mean?
The acronym, “ICD,” stands for “International Classification of Disease.” The numbers 9 and 10 indicate versions of the data sets. The versions differ in the manner codes are organized and detailed. ICD – 9 procedure codes capture detail through several different codes to create the disease classification and diagnosis. With the ICD-10 version, procedure codes capture detail with one code.
Created by the World Health Organization, ICD codes are used to classify diseases and other health problems recorded on many types of health and vital records including death certificates and health records. In addition to enabling the storage and retrieval of diagnostic information for clinical, epidemiological and quality purposes, these records also provide the basis for national mortality and morbidity statistics.
Benefits of ICD-10-CM/PCS
Benefits of ICD-10-CM/PCS
IT systems interfacing within healthcare organizations will be affected by the change to ICD-10. When preparing for this transition, the organization must focus on information systems that share coded data. It is important to identify all interface programs, make changes needed to share coding information and test for accuracy prior to the October 2015 mandate. Partnering with vendors who provide interfacing systems to your health system can help, ensuring a smooth transition.
The Transition
The Transition
For health systems that have out-of-date processes and systems, this transition can serve as an opportunity to improve their business and clinical practices. In an effort to help this upgrade, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, or the “HITECH Act” created programs under Medicare and Medicaid to provide incentive payments for the “meaningful use” of certified Electronic Health Technology. The Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive programs will provide incentive payments to eligible professionals and hospitals as they adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate “meaningful use” of certified EHR technology. The program will begin October 1, 2011. These incentive programs are designed to support providers in this period of Health IT transition and instill the use of EHRs to help our nation to improve the quality and efficiency of patient health care.
It is important our health information reflects current medical conditions and technologies. The need for precise diagnosis and procedure codes are not just important for payment. They are also important for gathering information on mortality, bio-surveillance, treatments, hospital management and research.
More Info
More Info
For information regarding implementation guidelines, eligibility and rules for the incentive program visit: www.cms.gov/icd10
For information on ICD-10-CM/PCS project management resources visit: www.ahima.org
Article Citation:
Transitioning ICD-10-CM/PCS Data Management (2009) Retrieval Date – 6/30/2010 – www.ahima.org
EHR Incentive Program (2010) Retrieval Date – 6/28/2010 – www.cms.gov