MedPro Solutions, the billing arm of Medical Management Services is preparing for ICD 10.  In order to serve billing customers, MPS began readiness training in early 2013.  While the potential for loss of revenue is the number one concern among the healthcare industry, MPS commits to maximum preparation as Oct 1, 2014 approaches.

ICD-10-CM is a change that will affect the whole healthcare industry.  In the beginning stages of this transition, some may have thought that this would only impact coders, however, the industry soon found out that this change is going to affect all employees involved in the Revenue Cycle.

MedPro began the implementation and training of ICD-10-CM in May 2013 by having coding staff attend ICD-10 Anatomy and Pathophysiology A&P Training.  This training consisted of 14 modules, which were broken down by body systems.  In addition to the ICD-10 A&P training, the coding staff and leadership team attended numerous ICD-10 Webinars.

In October 2013, the coding staff and leadership team began attending an ICD-10 code set training.  This training included review of each chapter of the ICD-10-CM book, along with a test at the end of each consisting of coding scenarios.  This allowed the coders to become familiar with using the ICD-10-CM book to look up diagnosis codes.  This training also included case scenarios for additional practice in coding using the ICD-10-CM book.  The coding staff also began coding ICD-10 diagnosis codes in addition to ICD-9 codes.  This allows the coders to become familiar with looking up ICD-10 codes, as well as providing insight on where physicians may need to improve on their dictation.  The information found was kept on a spreadsheet, so that feedback could be provided to physicians as well as their Practice Managers.

In December of 2013, MedPro began working on a testing timeline which includes testing their Practice Management Software, along with any other software that includes diagnosis codes.  The timeline was created to include dates when software was upgraded to allow the use of ICD-10 codes, as well as dates for when insurance carriers will allow testing claims that include ICD-10 diagnosis codes.

With the start of January 2014, MedPro began scheduling all staff to attend an ICD-10 webinar.  The information contained in this webinar, gave employees insight on why ICD-10 was being implemented, some of the differences between ICD-10 and ICD-9, and the predicted impacts ICD-10 will have on the healthcare industry as a whole.  Making sure all staff had some exposure to ICD-10 prior to the October 1st effective date, is extremely important because of the impact it will have on every department within MedPro.

Author:
Carrie White
Executive Consultant, Revenue Cycle
Medical Management Services
MedPro Solutions
carrie.white@medmgtservices.com