As the ICD-10 implementation date approaches, the amount of information available through various resources has increased manifolds, making it difficult to decide on the appropriate steps to take for preparation. Although to optimize reimbursement for anesthesia services will take an effort in ICD-10, it can pay off in terms of higher practice revenue, lesser paperwork and greater overall clinical efficiency.
Here are some pointers acknowledging the critical areas anesthesia practice need to focus on for a successful ICD-10 execution:
- How anesthesiologist report procedures will not change with the implementation of ICD-10. Anesthesia and non anesthesia procedures still need to be reported with CPT codes.
- ICD-10 CM codes will be used to report the diagnosis codes that necessitated the anesthesia services and indicate why the services were required.
- Payers usually link the CPT code to the diagnosis code to establish medical necessity. Hence, it is critical to report both, accurately, in order to receive correct reimbursement.
- In ICD-10 highest level of specificity will be required in coding and minute details need to be documented to achieve an appropriate diagnosis. The communication between surgeons and anesthesiologists is important.
- ICD-10 training for your staff is important, but more than that, training needs to depend on the role. Physician training will vary from that of a coder or office staff. Proper assessment of your staff is required before charting out a training plan.
- Is your Practice Management system or EMR system ICD-10 compliant? Contact your vendor to ensure that your systems are upgraded to an ICD-10 compliant version. Make sure you receive the adequate training or assistance to ease up the transition.
- A thorough documentation review is the need of the hour to determine what additional information may be required for your most used diagnosis code and ICD-10. By recognizing the documentation changes early and implementing solutions, your anesthesia practice will be better positioned to minimize the impact of ICD-10.
Proper planning and training can help your practice prepare better for the transition. At ProfEdOnDemand, expert speaker Kelly Dennis will be taking an audio session to help your anesthesia practice determine if they are ready for the mandatory Anesthesia ICD-10 transition.
