The seven recommendations included:
1. Complete a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. This cost-benefit analysis would determine how each sector of the healthcare industry will be affected by ICD-10.
2. Pilot test ICD-10. National pilot tests should include physician practices of varying types and sizes in addition to small and large hospitals.
3. Analyze the administrative and financial impact of overlapping initiatives. MGMA-ACMPE wrote the health information technology mandates of meaningful use, e-prescribing and quality reporting should be evaluated in comparison with the costs of ICD-10.
4. Evaluate additional code set approaches. HHS should see if there are ways to improve the current ICD-9 coding set and consider implementing ICD-10 in the inpatient setting only, according to the letter.
5. Stagger implementation dates. Clearinghouses and payors should be the first to comply with ICD-10, followed by providers “a minimum of 12 months” after that compliance date.
6. Develop appropriate crosswalks. In order to transition with no or little loss of historical coding data, HHS should mandate a single set of crosswalks between ICD-9 and ICD-10.
7. Require certification. Payors and clearinghouses should be required to be certified within the revenue cycle and billing system.
More Articles on ICD-10:
Feds to Postpone ICD-10 Implementation Date
Physicians Applaud News of ICD-10 Implementation Delay
In the Fog of Delay: What’s Next for ICD-10?
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.
