AHIMA: ICD-10 implementation preparedness rising
The number of organizations falling behind the curve for ICD-10 implementation is shrinking, according to a survey from American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Conducted in August, the Chicago-based AHIMA reported that 85 percent of 639 respondents indicated they had started work on ICD-10 planning and implementation, up from 62 percent reported a year ago; and above the 55 percent reported in April 2010. According to the survey, organizations are also further along in creating ICD-10 budgets and assessing training needs for staff.
The largest barrier from the inpatient respondents to doing the needed ICD-10 planning and implementation is a lack of resources. Other respondents said a lack of senior executive commitment was their biggest barrier.
“A smooth, successful transition by the Oct. 1, 2013, compliance date requires a well-planned and well-managed ICD-10 implementation process,” AHIMA advised in its statement. “Because the scope and complexity of the transition are significant, it is critical for organizations to plan their implementation strategies carefully in order to leverage ICD-10 investments and move beyond mere compliance to attain a strategic advantage. Organizations that are not prepared could face major billing headaches and loss of compensation since claims submitted after the October 2013 deadline not using the upgraded coding language will be rejected.”
While 80 percent of inpatient respondents reported that they are starting an impact analysis, the report concluded that more work remains to be done and changes are needed as only 49 percent of survey respondents reported having started making changes based on their assessments.
Conducted in August, the Chicago-based AHIMA reported that 85 percent of 639 respondents indicated they had started work on ICD-10 planning and implementation, up from 62 percent reported a year ago; and above the 55 percent reported in April 2010. According to the survey, organizations are also further along in creating ICD-10 budgets and assessing training needs for staff.
The largest barrier from the inpatient respondents to doing the needed ICD-10 planning and implementation is a lack of resources. Other respondents said a lack of senior executive commitment was their biggest barrier.
“A smooth, successful transition by the Oct. 1, 2013, compliance date requires a well-planned and well-managed ICD-10 implementation process,” AHIMA advised in its statement. “Because the scope and complexity of the transition are significant, it is critical for organizations to plan their implementation strategies carefully in order to leverage ICD-10 investments and move beyond mere compliance to attain a strategic advantage. Organizations that are not prepared could face major billing headaches and loss of compensation since claims submitted after the October 2013 deadline not using the upgraded coding language will be rejected.”
While 80 percent of inpatient respondents reported that they are starting an impact analysis, the report concluded that more work remains to be done and changes are needed as only 49 percent of survey respondents reported having started making changes based on their assessments.