The introduction of ICD-10 is generating a lot of myths

The introduction of a new coding system causes confusion and a lot of questions. As you are aware, ICD-10 is generating a lot of myths about its impending implementation. At Pathway Health we would like to help get the facts straight.

> All entities covered by HIPPA must implement ICD-10 by October 10, 2014. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will not grand any extensions.

> The sheer quantity of codes in ICD-10 will not make it more complex to use. Matter of fact, the greater number of codes makes the system more specific and clinically accurate making it much easier to find the correct code.

> General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), which are free of charge and available to all providers, payers and data users, doesn’t provide help in coding medical records. Rather, GEMs are used to convert the following databases from ICD-9 to ICD-10:
– Payment system
– Payment and coverage edits
– Risk adjustment logic
– Quality measures
– Variety of research applications involving trend data

> Since ICD-10 will only be used for facility reporting of hospital impatient procedures it will not affect the Use of CPT (Current Procedural Terminology).

> You can already purchase a hardcopy of The Complete Official Draft Code Set for ICD-10.

For more information on how Pathway Health can help you visit our site or shop our store.