With less than three months remaining until the nation switches from ICD-9 to ICD-10 coding for medical diagnoses and inpatient hospital procedures, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have announced efforts to help physicians get ready ahead of the October 1 deadline. This announcement indicates a shift in the AMA’s recommendation for a delay in implementation to a position of cooperation in preparing for the transition. Read the full release from CMS and the AMA here.
The June issue of the O&P Almanac featured an article, “Prepare Now for the ICD-10 Transition” authored by AOPA Director of Coding and Reimbursement Services, Education, and Programming Joe McTernan, that may be helpful in understanding how the ICD 10 transition will apply to O&P. AOPA is working on providing additional resources for members to ensure a smooth transition and will be contacting members with more information when available.
AOPA members can contact Joe McTernan at jmcternan@AOPAnet.org or (571) 341-0811 with questions about the transition.