Radiology Coding Alert

Gear up but don’t worry if you aren’t all prepared, you can look for an alternative solution.

CMS has been proposing the ICD-10 implementation date as Oct. 1, 2015, but it was this time in summer that the agency announced that this has been finalized as the deadline for ICD-10 implementation. This means that after Sept. 30, 2015, ICD-9 codes will no longer be accepted.

Because the date has already been pushed back several times, many providers are already prepared for the transition, but should continue to stay on top of ICD-10 changes and updates as the 2015 date gets closer. In addition, CMS advises practices to participate in any ICD-10 testing opportunities to ensure that they are compliant and prepared.

All of the Part B MAC claims processing systems are currently ready for ICD-10, CMS says in MLN Matters article SE1409. In addition, CMS tests its ICD-10 software every time a quarterly release is issued. On the provider side, CMS will offer three separate testing weeks for ICD-10 acknowledgement. These will take place in November 2014, March 2015, and June 2015. If you’d like to participate in the testing, visit your MAC’s website. CMS will also offer end-to-end testing opportunities to select practices, but have not yet announced the dates or how to volunteer.

CMS Offers Alternative for Unprepared

On the off-chance that your practice’s software isn’t ready to convert to ICD-10 next October, CMS has a potential solution for you. “If you will not be able to complete the necessary systems changes to submit claims with ICD-10 codes by October 1, 2015, you should investigate downloading the free billing software that CMS offers via their MAC websites,” CMS says in its MLN Matters article. “The software has been updated to support ICD-10 codes and requires an internet connection. This billing software only works for submitting Fee-for-Service (FFS) claims to Medicare. It is intended to provide submitters with an ICD-10 compliant claims submission format; it does not provide coding assistance,” CMS adds.

Resource: To read MLN Matters article SE1409, visit www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNMattersArticles/Downloads/SE1409.pdf.