We recently asked Dr. Bloom about how the transition to ICD-10 went at his practice. Here’s what he had to say:
It’s now been eight months since ICD-10. Has it been effective?
No, it hasn’t.
There are some practices that have been finding the transition to ICD-10 to be challenging. Has the transition to ICD-10 been more or less turbulent than you expected? Why?
It has been less turbulent then I expected. We’ve had no rejections and no delays in payment.
Do you have any stories about your transition to ICD-10? (Billing issues, patient issues, etc.)
Yes. I believe our experience has been unique, in that there were no six-month delays in payments. But, it is not over yet.
Can you list one advantage and one disadvantage of ICD-10 so far?
One of the advantages is that we’ve had no delays in payment due to coding problems.
A disadvantage is that it’s still a bit confusing, with ADS extensions.
What insurance payers seem to be the most prepared for ICD-10?
All payers seem to be equal – for now.
If you could say anything to Medicare, what would you say?
Don’t go to ICD-11.
Are there any procedures you can bill under ICD-10 that you couldn’t bill under ICD-9?
None that we’ve found.
How has your medical practice trained staff for ICD-10? Do you have any lessons you can share with our readers?
Yes. Be ready for when they start rejecting non-specific codes.
Does ICD-10 ultimately benefit the patient? Why or why not?
No, it doesn’t. How could coding for left arm skin cancer help anyone?
In the end, do you think ICD-10 will be an improvement for your practice? Why or why not?
There’s been no improvement. It’s just a game.
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Last Updated on June 27, 2016