ICD-10 Compliance Step 3

Get Ready Now with the New CMS Quick Start Guide!

While ICD-10 is almost here, you still have time to get ready. But you must get ready now.

This week CMS is highlighting the 5 steps from the new Quick Start Guide: 1) Make a Plan, 2) Train Your Staff, 3) Update Your Processes, 4) Talk with Your Vendors and Health Plans, and 5) Test Your Systems and Processes. The focus of this article is:

Step: 3 Update Your Processes

• It is crucial to update hard-copy and electronic forms (e.g., superbills, CMS 1500 forms ) 
• Resolve any documentation gaps identified while coding top diagnoses in ICD-10 
• Make sure clinical documentation captures key new coding concepts: 
  • Laterality—or left versus right 
  • Initial or subsequent encounter for injuries 
  • Trimester of pregnancy 
  • Details about diabetes and related complications 
  • Types of fractures

Tips

• Create a documentation checklist for any new concepts that need to be captured for ICD-10 coding 
• Remember that ICD-10 does not change the requirements for good documentation, which is always about capturing the complete clinical picture in order to provide high-quality patient care 
• Review NCDs and LCDs with ICD-10 codes to ensure consistency with internal policies (e.g., coding, billing, and documentation processes) 
• Outpatient and office procedure codes aren’t changing—ICD-10 does not affect the use of CPT and HCPCS coding for outpatient and office procedures

To learn more about getting ready, visit cms.gov/ICD10 for free resources including the Road to 10 tool designed especially for small and rural practices, but useful for all health care professionals.

Keep Up to Date on ICD-10
Visit the CMS ICD-10 website for the latest news and resources to help you prepare. Sign up for CMS ICD-10 Industry Email Updates and follow CMS.gov on Twitter.