ICD-10 Implementation: An Update For Physicians And Coders

The transition to ICD-10 is much more than just an increase in the codes and field sizes. The descriptions of the diagnostic codes of ICD-10, can be very different from what the coders are used to seeing and using the ICD-9. Therefore, the complexity of change is important and should not be prevented by medical coders.


A successful transition easy and before October 1, 2013 require a process of implementing well-planned and managed effectively. Although the deadline for implementation is two years of training plans ICD-10-CM/PCS willingness to ensure a smooth transition for physicians, inpatient and outpatient coders.

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Impact on inpatient coders:

The final rule ICD-10-CM/PCS estimated that hospital coders will have 50 hours of training. To ensure a successful transition, hospital coders must:

• Have sufficient knowledge of basic biomedical sciences (eg anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and medical terminology)

• Learn to apply the codes correctly ICD-10-CM/PCS inpatient encounters

• Understand how to use maps and crosswalks between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM/PCS

Influences external encoders:

Surgery programmers would take about 16 hours of intensive training ICD-10-CM/PCS, assuming that programmers have expertise in the field of biomedical sciences. Other requirements are the same for hospital programs.

Medical coders must meet the timetable for the various stages of ICD-9 to ICD-10 transition. Although the first phase is already completed, the coders still need help from various online resources and webinars conducted by the AMA, AAPC, AAHIMA and many other associations to get the necessary training and preparation for the transition. Education and guidance in the use of ICD-10 will help programmers to keep up with industry standards and plays a crucial role in the process of implementation of their employers and clients.

Physicians should keep track of deadlines for the implementation of ICD-10 and prepare for a smooth transition clinicians through its various phases:

Phase 1: development of an implementation plan and impact assessment (first quarter 2009 to second quarter 2011)

Phase 2: Preparation for implementation (first quarter 2011 to second quarter 2013)

Phase 3: "Go Live" of preparation (first quarter 2013 to third quarter 2013)

Step 4: Monitor the implementation of the post (in the fourth quarter of 2013 in the fourth quarter of 2014)

The doctor must also ensure the training of programmers, programmer, or rent a house trained to use the ICD-10 as the correct encoding is required to maintain their income by an effective and optimized. If a physician practices, hospitals, or the difficulty of getting staff up to date, outsourcing could be a viable option.