ICD-10 Preparedness Considerations from the Health Care Solutions Advisor POV

PracticeMax prepared a series of frequently asked questions about ICD-10 and its impact on physician and provider practices.

What are the main points of consideration for a practice postponing preparation, besides not getting paid?

  • Transition is mandates by law
  • Inability so submit claims

What are three advantages to using a revenue cycle management partner like PracticeMax to oversee and help guide ICD-10 implementation?

  • This is what we do; we have experts with vast and multifaceted experience in all areas of the revenue cycle industry including certified coding, compliance payer and hospital contracting, billing, practice management and electronic health records
  • Our ability to scale up resources to help overcome decreased productivity during the transition phase
  • Experts available for training and assistance

Where does successful ICD-10 implementation start? What are the keys to a practice doing this right?

  • Remember, this is a marathon not a sprint
  • Develop a transition plan with timelines and accountability
  • Engage and educate staff
  • Collect answers to key vendor and payer questions
    • Try to get a definitive date to test your systems or testing alternatives from your vendor representative
    • Even if your vendor tells you they are ready, you can still ask several pointed questions:
      • Will my current hardware continue to work?
      • How long will tech support for my existing system continue?
  • Create a budget for transition and keep track in real time
  • Conduct chart reviews and give providers examples that engage them in the ICD-10 process