Transitioning over to ICD-10 appears simple in one sense, but in truth, there are multiple layers to build upon. It is wise to educate yourself in one of the biggest changes to hit heath care now. We live in a very tightly bound community - linking our coding and billing skills with vendors, clearing houses, labs, insurance carriers, medical practices and facilities, EMRs, electronic scripts, etc...
This is a classic case of the peeling an onion affect- first layer appears insiginificant, but the more you learn about the process and how ICD 10 will impact all of us, the more you realize you need to understand everything there is to know about organzing a small or large practice early on. You may find upon first workshop or seminar, that refresher skills in anatomy and pathophysiology are necessary for some of your staff. You need to know that even if your software vendors are on top of things - is the small lab that receives your requisitions, ANSI 5010 and ICD-10 ready? How will you know what steps to follow to be sure you are all aligned to continue working together? What about budget or the need for additional staff, even if temporary?
Boot Camps offer a lot of information that needs to be shared. Some areas will affect you more than others but it is information to bring back to your employers.
Although Final Rule has not taken place with ICD-10, practice and familiarity with the mechanics of this new method should be started now. It is not the time to built cheat sheets and memorize guidelines...but I assure you, it is so vital to the success of implementation. Practice, practice and practice some more. Every week. Let it become second nature to you all.
Countries that started with ICD 10 had productivity levels that dropped over 100% with implementation of ICD 10. Expect look ups of codes to take a lot longer. Attending a Boot Camp will clearly tell you how you can be ready for the big change and start training/retraining staff and working with doctors.
I recommend at least one person from a practice attend and then present to their doctors, IT staff, billers, coder, front desk help, etc....