To help ensure that you are ready for the Oct. 1, 2015 implementation of the new ICD-10 codes, The Physicians Foundation is promoting a free resource designed to help your practice make the transition. ICD10Charts.com was developed by a medical student, Parth Desai, who saw the need for such a resource while working in his father’s medical practice.
ICD-10 Charts is a collection of innovative ICD-10 training resources that can help streamline your entire ICD-10 implementation process and save your practice a considerable amount of time and money during this transition. Desai has refined the software even more recently, making ICD-10Charts a most valuable tool to help you prepare. Watch a short informational video detailing how the site works.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and NCTracks are providing a steady stream of information to help practices be prepared for ICD-10 as of the Oct. 1, 2015 implementation date. CMS is offering a Quick Start Guide to help practices who are scrambling to begin the process.
The following is a brief compilation of frequently asked questions (FAQs) these agencies have been fielding.
For providers with claims that will span the ICD-10 implementation date of October 1, 2015, CMS offers:
MLN Matters® Special Edition Article SE1408, “Medicare FFS Claims Processing Guidance for Implementing ICD-10 – A Re-Issue of MM7492”
Visit the ICD-10 Medicare Fee-For-Service Provider Resources web page for a complete list of Medicare Learning Network® educational materials.
Here are some ICD-10 FAQs on certificates of medical necessity, prescriptions, and orders:
Question: I have Certificates of Medical Necessity (CMNs) for patients that contain ICD-9 diagnosis codes. Do I need to submit new CMNs with ICD-10 codes for claims submitted after the transition to ICD-10?
Answer: CMS is not requiring suppliers to submit updated CMNs for claims submitted on or after the ICD-10 implementation date of October 1, 2015; however, these claims must contain a valid ICD-10 diagnosis code. CMNs created after the transition to ICD-10 must use ICD-10 codes. Suppliers should ensure that the diagnosis code(s) billed on the claim are supported by documentation in the medical record.
Question: After ICD-10 implementation, how should pharmacies handle prescriptions with ICD-9 codes written prior to the implementation date?
Answer: When filling prescriptions that were written prior to the ICD-10 implementation date of October 1, 2015, pharmacies have the option to use the reimbursement mappings posted on the 2015 ICD-10-CM and GEMs and 2015 ICD-10 PCS and GEMs web pages to translate ICD–9 codes into ICD–10. New prescriptions written after the transition to ICD-10 must use ICD-10 codes.
Question: If patients have recurring appointments for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology services that will continue after ICD-10 implementation, will new orders with ICD-10 codes be required?
Answer: In cases where physician or qualified non-physician practitioner orders are applicable to rehabilitation services furnished under CMS programs, CMS is not requiring updated orders to continue rehabilitation services after ICD-10 implementation on October 1, 2015; however, these claims must contain a valid ICD-10 diagnosis code. Physicians will need to provide the appropriate ICD-10 code to the therapist for these claims. Orders created after the transition to ICD-10 must use ICD-10 codes.