How to Prepare for ICD-10 Medical Coding

In October 2013, the health care community implements an updated coding classification system from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. ICD, or the International Classification of Disease, classifies diseases and procedures in medical records. The "10" represents the 10th modification of the system. The "CM" stands for "clinical modification," and the "PCS" stands for "procedure coding system." ICD is used for a number of important functions like death certificate classification, reimbursement assignment, statistical reporting and research. Because of the complexity of the new ICD-10 system, health care institutions should begin preparations now in order to ensure minimal interruptions by implementation time.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet Access
• ICD-10 Instruction Manual and Training Materials
• Copy of ICD-10 Codes (electronic or print)

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Instructions

• 1

  Understand the need for an ICD transition. ICD updates periodically to ensure that changes within the medical field are also covered by a classification system. However, the 30-year-old ICD-9 system created concern over lack of detail provided and also the outdated information. The changes for ICD-10 will provide more detail, and make tracking and sharing of disease and treatment information easier and more accessible in order to promote better health care and research.

• 2

  Assign an implementation leader. Each organization should assign an ICD-10 implementation leader, preferably an expert in the area of health information management. The leader selects a committee to identify issues and create a strategy for implementation including budgets, software updates, IT constraints or issues, target implementation dates, coordination with payers, training and other issues as they arise.

• 3

  Prepare the organization. Many people do not like change, so a monumental shift in a system may create fear. Prepare the organization by holding staff meetings to review why a change to ICD-10 is needed and how it is being handled within the organization. Review the implementation schedule so everyone is aware of progression. Once staff understands the need for a more detailed system and how the organization will approach it, it will calm fears. Allow staff to ask questions and answer them candidly.

• 4

  Train the appropriate staff. Nurses, medical coders and billers, office managers, IT staff and others working directly with the new system should receive specialized training. Professional organizations like the American Health Information Management Association or governmental agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provide online training, audio conferences, self-paced CD training, and the ability to attend on-site conferences and meetings. Educational media and degree of training will depend on each employee's responsibility. For example, a medical coder who assigns codes to patient health information will receive more detailed training.

• 5

  Talk to the software company about upgrading. Most health care organizations use specialized software programs to assist coders in assigning codes and reimbursement. Discuss plans for upgrading and implementing a system reflecting the new ICD-10 codes. Ask about system downtime during the implementation, costs associated with the upgrade, and what training is required on the upgraded system. Coordination with the software company is a key component in the success of ICD-10 implementation.