Get Set for Coding Changes

Although the dates for implementing the ICD-10 have already and are subject to change, the official change is now scheduled for October. 

The switch will definitely effect your practice, and the key to being ready for the switch, according to a presentation by Steve Berman of Anesthesia Business Consultants, will likely lie in communication. Communicating with your staff and your billing people about the best strategies for implementation will be a great place to start. 

In his presentation, Berman notes that the number of codes will grow by thousands, and will allow for very specific information in the coding. 

As an example, he noted an injury occurring on a ski slope. Under ICD-10, the coding structure is such that the clinician will be able to report not only the type of injury, but also the type of ski, so injury trends could be noted, and perhaps addressed, if a trend is noted with a particular product, like a particular brand of ski. 

It is worth also noting that a majority of the codes are orthopedic codes, which will have great implications for physicians dealing with patients with pain. 

DISCLAIMER: Doctor Rosenblum is HERE SOLELY TO EDUCATE, AND YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL YOUR DECISIONS AND ACTIONS IN RESPONSE TO ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. This podcasts is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physician to a particular patient or specific ailment.