In his editorial, Brian Whitman of the American College of Physicians said the transition to ICD-10 may not be worth “the incredible effort and expense.” He says the American College of physicians, an organization that represents more than 124,000 internists and medical students, does not see evidence to support making the transition, particularly in the area of outpatient coding for diagnoses.
Mr. Whitman says he also finds it “hard to believe” that ICD-10 will improve health care, given the already-limited funds available to many hospitals, physicians and surgery centers.
On the other side, Deborah Grider, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-I, CPC-P, CEMC, CPMA, COBGC, CPCD, CCS-P, said a Rand study proves ICD-10 is “technically superior” to ICD-9, as well as more logically organized and more detailed. She said the benefits of the transition will include fewer miscoded, rejected and improperly reimbursed claims, improved disease management, more accurate payment for new inpatient procedures and a better understanding of healthcare outcomes.
Read more about billing, coding and collections:
–CMS Clarifies KY Modifier Use
–10 Statistics on Surgery Center A/R Turnover
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.