The ICD-10 clock is ticking loudly now, as the Oct. 1 go-live date is less than two weeks away.
As reported in The Leader several weeks ago, ICD-10 is a medical coding system used on insurance claims for all patient health care encounters. It will replace the ICD-9 coding system that has been in use for almost 30 years. It consists of alpha-numeric codes that mean the same thing all over the world. The codes are turned into computerized data and provide useful information to health care providers, insurance companies, government agencies (including Medicare), and quality review organizations.
What is Baptist doing to prepare for ICD-10?
Teams in the system health information management department, Baptist OneCare, Baptist Medical Group, and other departments continue to work hard on practice-coding, system testing, and training and education for anyone who needs it.
You may notice these team members scurrying about from meeting to meeting, task to task, and seeming very preoccupied with their thoughts. There’s still some last-minute preparation being done to make sure every aspect of ICD-10 coding and billing is ready to go. Everyone involved is very excited (and admittedly a little apprehensive) about “flipping the switch” from ICD-9 to ICD-10 on Oct. 1.
Who needs to know about ICD-10?
Anyone whose job involves using ICD-9 diagnosis or procedure codes needs to understand ICD-10. There is a module in HealthStream titled “Basic ICD-10-CM for Non-Coders.” It is not a mandatory module. Rather, department management will decide which team members will be required to take the HealthStream module; the module will be optional for others. Anyone may register for this course via the HealthStream Catalog (enter “ICD” in the search box and the course will appear with a link to register).
If anyone thinks they need more detailed education beyond the basic module in HealthStream, please contact Sharon Gilbert (sharon.gilbert2@bmhcc.org or (901) 227-3879). There are many more detailed courses available, and assistance will be provided to help you get registered for the appropriate course(s).