The 4 Questions to Ask and Answer Regarding ICD-10: Second of a 2-Part Series

On October 1, 2015 the United States will transition from the decades-old 9th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) set of diagnoses for coding medical encounters and inpatient procedure codes to the far more contemporary, vastly larger and much more detailed 10th revision of those code sets (ICD-10). In this second part of a 2-part series we will address the 2 remaining questions about this transition, namely why you should check your codes to ensure correct coding and how to best prepare for the transition.

A search was undertaken to determine how ICD-10 codes are organized and the best techniques to choose correct codes, and how to best prepare for the transition. Results were based on this search, and on input and expertise from coding experts as well as personal experience.

Due to the significant change in the code set and rules, ICD-10 codes should be double-checked for accuracy, especially early in the transition, as finding the most accurate code involves challenges. Detailed preparation of all aspects of the practice potentially affected by ICD-10 codes is vital.

The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 will have a major impact on anyone who uses health care information. Proper preparation is vital to a smooth transition.