News: Preparation advice, tools for ICD-10-CM/PCS available from CMS

September 27, 2012

CDI Strategies - Volume 6, Issue 20

Since the release of the new ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation date, CMS has been busy publishing a slew of updated information and recommendations.

In MedLearn Matters Article (SE1239), CMS reiterates the new implementation compliance date of October 1, 2014. In it CMS states, “[t]hese compliance dates are firm and not subject to change. There will be no delays. There will be no grace period for implementation.” (Emphasis theirs.)

The eight-page MedLearn Matters Article provides a quick, easy review of ICD-10-CM/PCS basics including an explanation of the differences between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM/PCS, the reasons for implementing the code set update, and a brief tutorial on the new code set structure.

In an additional MedLearn Matters Article (SE1240), CMS clarified information regarding the partial coding freeze in light of the adjustment to the ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation date. In it, CMS said the partial freeze will continue as planned including:

The last regular, annual updates to both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10 code sets made on October 1, 2011.
On October 1, 2012 and October 1, 2013 there will be only limited code updates to both the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10 code sets to capture new technologies and diseases
On October 1, 2014, only limited code updates to ICD-10 code sets to capture new technologies and diagnoses as required by section 503(a) of Pub. L. 108-173 will be made. There will be no updates to ICD-9-CM, as it will no longer be used for reporting.
On October 1, 2015, regular updates to ICD-10 will begin.

In addition, The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed an ICD-10 code “app” which can be used to look up codes using “smart search” terms in a similar way to many internet search engines. Because it is the WHO’s version some codes won’t have a perfect match to the United States’ clinically modified (CM) version, but CDI professionals may find it an interesting tool to begin researching frequently documented (or underdocumented) diagnoses.

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