ICD-10-CM implementation is less than a year away and coders should be starting their ICD-10-CM code training if they haven't already. Coders don't need to learn the specific codes right now, but they should be familiar with some of the conventions and guidelines in ICD-10-CM.
Coders may find assigning codes for sepsis somewhat easier in ICD-10-CM, but they will still face some challenges. The first of those challenges, and probably the biggest, centers on physician documentation.
CMS released its FY 2014 IPPS final rule in August, and with it comes a whole slew of changes for inpatient hospitals. Set aside a good amount of time to scroll through the 2,000-plus page document. Yes, that's right: There are more than 2,000 pages of information to absorb before the rule goes into effect on October 1, 2013.
ICD codes are the ultimate source of information for the healthcare industry. Coders in every setting-inpatient, outpatient, and physician services-report the exact same ICD codes to describe a patient's condition.
Do EHRs enable fraud and abuse by encouraging upcoding? What other factors could have led to higher levels of E/M coding over the past decade? Who or what organizations are responsible for ensuring compliance?
Auto manufacturers rely on them to make decisions about improving passenger restraints in vehicles. Industrial engineers may reference them when advocating for improved design of staircases to prevent falls. Drug companies use them to bolster support for child-resistant packaging.
ICD-10 implementation challenges will vary from organization to organization, depending on size, setting, and patient mix. Factor in physician buy-in and budget woes, and implementation seems overwhelming.
