Transitioning to ICD-10 by Carol J. Buck

Mandated Transition

Over 99 percent of Medicare Part A (inpatient) claims and over 96 percent of Medicare Part B (outpatient) claim transactions are received electronically (www.cms.gov/Versions5010andD0/downloads/w5010BasicsFctSht.pdf). The 5010 electronic data interchange (EDI) is ICD-10 compatible and the government requires the claims be submitted via EDI. Although some prominent organizations have come out against the implementation of ICD-10, the transition is a mandate that is scheduled to take place October 1, 2014, and health care facilities and providers are in the final stages of gearing up for the transition. Canada has already transition to ICD-10 as have most nations; further, ICD-11 is already in global pilots. The ICD-9 had limited expandability based on the structure of the coding system and literally the system is out of numbers to assign. Unless some unforeseen political event occurs, the ICD-10 is a scheduled mandate that we all need to prepare for.

A successful transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 is not an impossible task! For the facilities and providers, the transition is expensive and time consuming as there must be software revisions and system integrations, but in the classroom, the revision is the curriculum content, which is not a difficult task. The critical issue for the classroom is the timing of the transition.

More Codes

The primary difference between the code systems is ICD-10 has more codes — approximately five times more codes — and these additional codes provide greater detail. For example, where there may have been two codes from which to choose to assign a diagnosis of a fracture, there may be 20 or more codes from which to choose. The increase reflects laterality (left/right) or incident of service (initial/subsequent), and other key factors. The increased number of codes makes the assignment of the code more specific not more difficult. The medical documentation must, however, reflect all the detail necessary to correctly assign a code.

In addition to having more codes in the ICD-10, and the format of the manual has changed.

The ICD-9-CM was contained in one manual with three volumes:

• Index of Diseases (Volume 2, the index)
• Tabular of Diseases (Volume 1, the codes)
• Procedures (Volume 3 inpatient surgical procedures and therapies)

The ICD-10 is contained in two manuals:

• ICD-10-CM with Index of Diseases and Tabular of Diseases
• ICD-10-PCS (Procedural Classification System)
• The new system is presented in table format and represents the most dramatic change in the entire coding system.

When to Transition

There are two questions to consider before developing an implementation plan to transition to ICD-10:

1.  When is the student entering the job market? 

• Between now and January 2014, the student should have a working knowledge of ICD-9 and a basic knowledge of the ICD-10.
• After January 2014, the student should have a working knowledge of both ICD-9 and ICD-10
• Employers want graduates to have ICD-9 knowledge from January to October, 2014, because transactions will be ICD-9 based until October 1, 2014, when transactions will begin to be ICD-10 based.

2.  Is the student preparing for an AHIMA or AAPC examination? 

• Examinations are to be ICD-10 based as follows:
• AHIMA, April 1, 2014, begins ICD-10 based examinations
• If the examinee takes an AHIMA certification exam prior to April 1, 2014, the examinee must acquire continuing education units (CEUs) in ICD-10 as follows:
• CHPS – 1 CEU
• CHDA – 6 CEUs
• RHIT – 6 CEUs
• RHIA – 6 CEUs
• CCS-P – 12 CEUs
• CCS – 18 CEUs
• CCA – 18 CEUs
• AAPC, January 1, 2015*, begins ICD-10 based examinations
• The examinee that takes the ICD-9 based AAPC certification examination must take and pass a 75-question ICD-10 proficiency examination. The proficiency examination will be available October 1, 2013 through October 1, 2015. The exam costs $75 and is an open book, online examination. The examinee has until 2015 to successfully pass the examination.



*Projected dates based on previous date of when ICD-10 was to be published October 1, 2013.

Earn CEUs while you Learn ICD-10

New ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Online Modules from Carol J. Buck and Karla Lovaasen let you make the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 at your convenience, all while earning continuing education units (CEUs) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Online and self paced, these modules give you an overview of the new code set, and then teach you how to translate your ICD-9 understanding to ICD-10. Upon successful completion, you earn a certificate of ICD-10 readiness that can be used to claim continuing education units (CEUs) from the AAPC. Prove to employers and colleagues that you are ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS ready with training from Carol J. Buck, Karla Lovaasen, and Elsevier!

ICD-10-CM Online Training Modules 2010
By Carol J. Buck, MS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P
- Six interactive modules
- Earn 4 CEUs from the AAPC upon successful completion
- Learn more at http://evolve.elsevier.com/ICD-10/CM

ICD-10-PCS Online Training Modules 2010
By Karla R. Lovaasen, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P
- Five interactive modules
- Earn 2 CEUs from the AAPC upon successful completion
- Learn more at http://evolve.elsevier.com/ICD-10/PCS

Get to Know the New Code Set with ICD-10 Draft Manuals

It’s not yet October 2013, but educators and students alike are gearing up for ICD-10! Now is the time to start familiarizing yourself with these codes, so having a reference manual at your fingertips is essential.

The easy-to-use and straightforward approach you’ve come to expect from Carol J. Buck is available in Draft ICD-10 manuals from Elsevier. 2010 ICD-10 CM and 2010 ICD-10-PCS have been designed by coders for coders to help you easily access and accurately transition to the new code set. Included are the complete 2009 ICD-10-CM & ICD-10-PCS Official Guidelines for Coding & Reporting (OCGR) as well as exclusive Netter’s Anatomy Artwork, giving you the support you need to confidently prepare for the changes to come!

Contact your Elsevier Sales Rep (or email sales.inquiry@elsevier.com) to learn more about ICD-10 Draft Manuals from Elsevier.

Ease your program into ICD-10

Elsevier implements gradual transition plan in annual coding textbooks.

Experts across the coding industry agree that a gradual adoption of ICD-10 coverage is the most effective way to transition your curriculum from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM/PCS.

To guide you through this process and ensure that you're always up to date, Elsevier will progressively shift the focus of its annual coding textbooks -- Buck's Step-by-Step Medical Coding and Lovaasen's ICD-9-CM Coding with ICD-10 -- from ICD-9-CM to the new code set. These texts will increase coverage of ICD-10 each year between now and the October 2013 implementation date. This means that you and your students will always have the amount of ICD-9 and ICD-10 coverage you need, without having to buy additional ICD-10 textbooks or switch from one book to another to cover ICD-9 and ICD-10. Ensure consistent coverage of ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-PCS by teaching students both code sets in the same text, and in the same learning format.

What do you mean by "gradual transition?"

The 2010 editions of Step-by-Step Medical Coding and ICD-9-CM Coding: Theory and Practice focus primarily on current coding standards and practices while providing a basic introduction to ICD-10 through unique features like dual coding. The 2011, 2012, and 2013 editions will increase emphasis on the new code set to help you maintain a seamless transition and ensure effective training for your students.

The chart below illustrates the complete transition timeline, beginning with the 2010 editions available now.

To learn more about these market-leading resources or Elsevier's complete plan for ICD-10 integration, register for updates now or contact your Elsevier Education Solutions Consultant.

Making the Transition to ICD-10 | An Overview from Carol J. Buck!

Learn from coding educator and leading author Carol J. Buck, MS, CPC-I, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, as she shares insights learned during her transition from ICD-9-CM coding to ICD-10-CM/PCS. During this web meeting, Carol gives an overview of ICD-10-CM/PCS, highlights some key differences between the two code sets, and discusses potential implications for your curriculum.

View the web meeting now!

Format: Windows Media File | Original Event Date: 09/09/2009 | Time: 33 minutes
Speaker: Carol J. Buck, MS, CPC-I, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, Author

What are Dual Codes, and how can they help you prepare for ICD-10?

Maybe you’ve seen the term in the news, or perhaps you overheard someone mention it at the 2009 AAPC conference. But what is Dual Coding, and what does it mean to coders?

“Dual Coding presents both the ICD-9-CM and corresponding ICD-10-CM codes for each procedure side-by-side so users can see the differences between the two code sets at a glance,” explains Michael Ledbetter, Publisher for Elsevier Health Sciences.

Example of dual coding.

Beginning in Fall 2009, Elsevier, the leader in coding education, will incorporate Dual Codes into key coding textbooks to familiarize students and practitioners with correct coding protocols for ICD-10 and help make the transition from ICD-9 easier and more efficient.

Do you have questions about Dual Codes, ICD-10, or anything else related to coding? Ask the Elsevier Experts!

Where Do You Start? Key First Steps to Implementing ICD-10 in Your Classroom

The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on January 15 of this year that it would replace the ICD-9-CM code set with ICD-10 in 2013.

What do you do now?

2013 may seem a long way off, but as the leading publisher in coding education, Elsevier is already taking steps to ensure that you have the textbooks and resources you need to start preparing now.

The Elsevier Plan

In order to make your transition to ICD-10 as smooth as possible, Elsevier has developed a comprehensive plan to address your specific concerns and keep you in the know:

• ICD10Educators.com keeps you up to date on the latest news and provides direct feedback and guidance from a panel of expert authors, educators, and industry insiders, lead by bestselling authors Carol J. Buck, Karla Lovaasen, and Jennifer Schwerdtfeger.
• Dual Codes in key coding textbooks will familiarize students and practitioners with correct coding protocols for both code sets beginning in Fall 2009
• ICD-10 Manual Draft versions will publish in late 2009, providing hands-on practice for locating new codes.
• Renowned Netter Anatomy artwork will be added to all of Carol J. Buck's new ICD-9, ICD-10 and HCPCS coding reference books, starting with the 2010 ICDs. This expanded anatomy coverage will help clarify complex A&P concepts, helping support coders and students as they prepare for the more specific A&P in the ICD-10 code set.
• Elsevier’s exclusive co-publishing agreement with the American Medical Association (AMA) ensures that Elsevier’s ICD-9-CM and HCPCS code books will meet the needs of the full spectrum of students, instructors, physicians, coders, and other office staff throughout the transition process.

Watch for more info on these and other pieces of Elsevier’s ICD-10 preparation plan in future updates! Register now to receive the latest news via e-mail!