Deputy administrator Marilynn Tavenner has been nominated to take Dr. Berwick’s place and is expected to continue the former administrator’s policies. According to Carl Natale, editor of ICD10Watch, “there’s no reason she wouldn’t keep the ICD-10 implementation deadline at Oct. 1, 2013.”
Mr. Natale said the ICD-10 implementation date depends on a few factors. First, the American Medical Association recently announced vigorous opposition to the switch to ICD-10, saying ICD-10 is an unfunded burden for providers. CMS has responded to the AMA’s opposition by stating that the implementation date stands.
Mr. Natale adds that Republican politicians opposed Dr. Berwick during his tenure, meaning Ms. Tavenner may face obstacles during the nomination process. The AMA may be able to use the nomination process to increase opposition to ICD-10 among non-healthcare providers.
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