How ICD-10 Changes Will Impact Orthopedic Practices

Medical Billing and Coding Services Update

October 1, 2015 – if you’re a medical practice, you should have that date outlined in red on your calendar. That’s the day that upcoming mandatory medical coding changes – known as ICD-10 – will finally become implemented.

ICD-10 is the culmination of a years-long process to update the previous ICD-9 and expand the current capabilities of the system by adding more codes and, by association, more data. This has been a long time coming; currently, the U.S. is the only country that is still with ICD-9.

Medical Billing and Coding Services – ICD-10 Will Have Impact

The impact on medical practices across the country cannot be understated. The massive expansion of the system means practices will need to prepare for the transition in order to make the switch in time – so much, in fact, that the AMA is considering demanding a grace period to help physicians with their payments. It doesn’t seem like another delay is forthcoming from Congress (the system has already been delayed three times), so practices have very little time to adjust and be ready for implementation.

If the typical medical practice is in dire need of quick adjustments and preparation, orthopedic practices are in an even more precarious situation. This is because the orthopedic section of the system’s codes are expanding more than virtually any other section. Orthopedic practices will thus need more time since the change will slow the billing process by as much as 50% – necessitating hiring more staff to do the same amount of coding.

Also, there’s the fact that orthopedic practices who have Medicare patients frequently involve durable medical equipment (DME) that is billed separately than physician services. This means both the services and the equipment will require separate ICD-10 codes.

Even a well-prepared orthopedic practice will run into problems with the new ICD-10 codes, especially if the practice waits until October 1^st is almost here. There will be growing pains – but fortunately, these pains can be alleviated to a significant degree if the practice takes initiative and either adjusts their in-house coding practices accordingly or finds a provider who is well equipped to handle ICD-10.

It doesn’t look like ICD-10 will be delayed further, meaning the beginning of October will be a red-letter day for orthopedic practices across the country. Prepare your practice today by making changes and working with qualified professional billing companies who can help with the transition.

Considering Outsourcing Medical Billings?

If you are considering outsourcing medical billing and coding services for your hospital or practice, then turn to MEREM Healthcare Solutions. Learn more about how allowing MEREM Health to handle your medical billing and coding needs can help with your cash flow and reduce costs.