Rep. Gary Palmer introduced new legislation which will protect patients from potential ramifications from ICD-10, the updated coding system linked to Medicare and Medicaid.
Here are seven notes on the legislation:
1. The Alabama medical community, involving a physician who previously ran against Rep. Palmer, has supported Rep. Palmer's legislative efforts.
2. The Protecting Patients and Physicians Against Coding Act, Rep. Palmer's bill, would grant physicians a two-year grace period. In this period, they would still get paid despite potential errors with the new federally mandated ICD-10 system.
3. Rep. Palmer claims many smaller medical practices such as rural practices do not have ample time to fully implement the new system with the impending Oct. 1 deadline.
4. Medical facilities' attempts to get ready for ICD-10 are impeding their ability to administer quality patient care. Rep. Palmer's bill would guarantee patients access to healthcare during the transitional period.
5. George "Buddy" Smith Jr., MD, president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, states the ICD-10 mandate will not enhance patient care. Rather, it will give insurers more reasons to deny medical services and procedures due to coding errors.
6. Medical groups including the MASA have endorsed the bill to ensure the coding system does not lead to the demise of many medical practices.
7. John Meigs, MD, a member of the board of censors at MASA, claims the ICD-10 mandate benefits insurance companies, while serving as a disadvantage for patients and physicians.
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