ICD-10 Implimentation: House Passes ICD-10 Extension Bill

Despite tremendous opposition, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would delay the implementation of ICD-10-CM/PCS for one year. The bill, H.R. 4302 – Protecting Access to Medicare, mainly covers the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) for Medicare payments, but also include a seven line section that states that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cannot implement the ICD-10 code set until October 1, 2015, a year later than the current deadline of October 1, 2014. The focus now shifts to the Senate, which must consider the bill before it finds its way to the President’s desk.

How would the delay impact the healthcare organization and the providers?

AHIMA officials has said that a one year delay in ICD-10 implementation could cost between $1 billion to $6.6 billion, which is roughly 10-30% of what has already been invested by providers, payers, vendors and academic programs. The impact of another delay in ICD-10 would be far-reaching across the healthcare industry, according to AHIMA. Many healthcare organizations have already invested time and money in teaching ICD-10 programs to students and staffs.

In contrast, the physician groups have been opposing the ICD-10 since its inception— saying the implementation of huge number of codes causes an unnecessary burden—can breathe a sigh of relief with the passing of the bill.

Although, ICD-10 implementation has been delayed, it should not put a stop to your preparation. The delay has provided the much-needed time to tie-up the loose ends. Don’t be slack. Carry on with your ICD-10 preparations/training at AudioEducator.com