Well, after years of talk, rumors, etc., it looks like ICD 10 codes will probably be in use by October 2011.

Is this good or bad?  Not sure yet but I know it's going to slow down my job big time especially since many physicians do not document in enough detail as it is right now.

Here are some links and info for anyone interested:

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

>>> <pbncustomer@decisionhealth.com> 8/18/2008 1:11 PM >>>

HHS pushes for ICD-10 adoption in 2011
HHS officials today unveiled a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM diagnosis code sets with the expanded ICD-10 code sets effective October 1, 2011.
HHS is also proposing a separate regulation that would implement updated versions of the X12 standard for electronic transactions such as Medicare claims, effective April 1, 2010.
"Conversion to ICD-10 is essential to development of a nationwide electronic health information environment, and the updated X12 transaction standards are a critical step in the implementation of these new codes," said HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt in a prepared statement. "We are taking a giant step forward toward developing a health care system that focuses on quality and affordability through the implementation of health information technology."
The current ICD-9-CM code sets have been in use since 1996 and contains 17,000 codes; ICD-10 contains more than 155,000 codes and covers many new diagnoses.
"We recognize that the transition to ICD-10 will require some upfront costs, but each year of delay would create additional costs, both because of the limitations of ICD-9 and because of the need to employ the greater precision that ICD-10 codes provide to support value-based purchasing of health care and other initiatives," said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems in a prepared statement.
CMS has indicated that it was taking a close look at ICD-10 implementation as recently as October 2007. You can view the proposed regulations for adopting ICD-10 and upgrading X12 versions by clicking here.
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