It is now only 37 months before ICD-10-CM becomes a reality. There’s much to do before October 1, 2013, but implementation can be a smooth transition if you take a systematic approach. There are many elements that need to be addressed, but preparing your practice in a step-by-step fashion can keep the transition from becoming overwhelming.
Planning and implementing ICD-10-CM must include communication and significant collaboration on information technology, finance, education, and problem solving. The work necessary to implement ICD-10-CM and the resources required will depend on the size of the practice. A large practice may need to recruit key people from many different departments and areas of the practice to assist with the transition; a small practice might enlist only one or two staff members to assist in the transition.
Version 5010
The transition to Version 5010 of the Electronic Data Transactions (EDI) must be made no later than January 1, 2012 — prior to ICD-10-CM implementation. Version 5010 must be implemented because Version 4010A cannot accommodate the expansion of the code sets that include ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. You will not be able to send claims or receive reimbursement without the 5010 conversion.
You’ll need the help of your software vendors to make this transition. My advice is to contact them now because level I testing (the vendor’s internal testing) also should be happening now. Make sure the software conversion occurs prior to January 1, 2012, in case there are problems with the conversion that must be fixed prior to the “drop dead” date.
Organize implementation
Every practice needs to assign a project team or key person to organize and manage the implementation effort. If you have several people in your practice involved in the ICD-10 transition, form a team and assign projects with completion dates during each step of the process. The transition team or key person is responsible for the initial planning process.
Include at least one physician in the implementation process, as well as your management and coding staff. It’s important to have the physicians involved so they understand the importance of preparation as the transition occurs. Ask the project team to provide periodic progress reports so everyone is aware of the progress, problems, and barriers to implementation in your practice.
After leadership roles have been identified, it’s time to get to work. The first step is preparing a project summary, including an overview description of the regulation, changes to the code set, the anticipated scope of work that needs to be accomplished, and anticipated internal and external work processes. For larger practices this could mean reading the ICD-10 final rule; for smaller practices this could mean reading materials prepared by a professional society. The project summary, along with an outline of project steps, will serve as the roadmap for completing the implementation. This summary should be shared with the physicians in your practice.
Impact analysis
A preliminary impact analysis is a good tool for assessing which areas of your practice may be affected most in the early stages of ICD-10-CM implementation. After the analysis is complete, the project team can develop a budget for ICD-10-CM implementation. Vulnerable areas may include:
• Information systems
• Documentation
• Staff education needs
• Clinical and administrative areas
This information must be shared with the providers so they understand the depth of the changes. It is important in this planning stage to identify who in the medical practice or organization has decision making authority.
