ICD-10 Timeline

As ICD-10 implementation approaches, we have included a timeline to begin transitioning by October 1, 2014.  It is important to actively begin planning, scheduling, training, and implementing ICD-10. 

Complete between

October – December 2013
  •  Select internal champion and/or committee.
  •  Set a schedule for project meetings.
  •  Identify and list all work processes and systems that utilize CID-9 today.
  •  Conduct inventory of current coding tools/resources.
  •  Become familiar with ICD-10 code set and guidelines.
  •  Research ICD-10 training programs/resources.
  •  Review status of and impact to electronic systems.
  •  Cost for temporary help or overtime cost during training and go-live.
  •  If using an outside source for coding and/or billing, learn vendor’s ICD-10 implementation plan.
  •  Budget & identify ICD-10 related internal costs.
  •  Introduce concept and plans for ICD-10 to staff.

Complete between

January – April 2014
  •  Evaluate current cash flow to set goals and plan to optimize cash flow.
  •  Determine impact on quality initiatives.
  •  Complete ICD-10 training at all levels.
  •  Follow-up with electronic system vendors.
  •  Note payer news regarding ICD-10 claims testing requirements/opportunities.
  •  Review insurance contracts for diagnosis-based payment impact.
  •  Revise/develop/purchase internal coding resources.

Complete between

April – August 2014
  •  Re-evaluate cash flow.
  •  Review budget for any changes and accuracy.
  •  Review and ensure that physicians and coders have completed training.
  •  Test ability to apply CID-10 codes to documentation as a training exercise.
  •  Follow up with system vendors and/or outsourced business partners.
  •  Review payer ICD-10 communications.

September 2014
  •  Develop and assign workflow and processes effective 10/01/14.
  •  Consider direct-to-payer or other alternative claims submission resources.
  •  Monitor payer news regarding readiness and changes to payment policies.

October 2014 and ongoing
  •  Monitor all claims acknowledgement and acceptance/rejection reports.
  •  Evaluate post-implementation cash flow until claims filed with ICD-10 are consistently paid.
  •  Evaluate need for contingency activities.
  •  Monitor payer news regarding claims adjudication issues and resolutions.
  •  Monitor reimbursement accuracy and timeliness of payer per contract.
  •  Conduct coding review for accuracy and compliance.

Reference:  http://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/practice_management/payment/ICD10Timeline.pdf