As the one-year transition period for converting to ICD-10 nears its end, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an updated 11-page list of questions and answers to better guide healthcare providers in using ICD-10 codes. This Q & A document includes a "step-by-step resource list" to identify contacts for assistance with ICD-10.
As previously discussed here last year, the deadline for conversion to the ICD-10 family of diagnostic and procedural codes was October 1, 2015. However, in response to concerns from the industry, CMS agreed to allow providers certain "flexibilities" for a one-year transition period. Most importantly, CMS agreed not to deny Part B claims "based solely on the specificity of the ICD-10 diagnosis code" as long as the provider uses a valid code "from the right family." The updated Q & A document addresses these exceptions and what will happen when they end on October 1 this year. Providers should prepare accordingly to ensure that they are ready by October 1 to meet the specificity required by ICD-10 coding.
Click here for more Healthcare Blogs from Day Pitney
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
