Struggling with ICD-10? Here’s How To Cope

ICD-10 is finally upon us, and I think everyone can agree, while it has been a stressful time, we are happy to see it arrive. Yet another delay would have been a little exhausting.
That being said, it doesn’t mean that physicians were not underprepared. Are they still alive? Yes. But around the board, it seems that practices are experiencing delays from claims processing to x-ray referrals, and much more.

It has been a rather stressful time for all those working in the medical field. How can your practice manage to stay on top of codes and billing cycles during this stressful time?

Be Detail Oriented

Even though ICD-10 implementation occurred on October 1st, there are still many reports of physicians still using ICD-9. It’s understandable that, with so many new codes, a few errors are being made, but there is no reason why practices can’t try their best to slow down and get it right.

One suggestion is to determine the top 10 codes used at your individual practice. Learn the discrepancies between their ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. This can help you understand their detailed differences and prevent major errors. Practicing perfect implementation of your top codes will increase the speed at which you write codes, and provide for a smooth transition. It may even be wise to double check all of your codes before submitting them to insurance.

Stay Diligent

A very huge concern for practices across the country is payment. Will bad codes cause a massive build-up of delays? Will denials increase? Will we be paid, and if so…when?

Denials and delays can cause a huge backlogging on billing cycles. While many practitioners were aware their billing cycles would take a hit, there was no real way to get prepared. Now that ICD-10 is upon us, the billing results we have all been fearing are near. In just a few weeks, problems with payments are likely to build up inside our offices.

The best way to handle these issues is to remain calm and diligent. Dedicate staff to handling denials and delays. Now, more than ever before, you will need to stay on top of these late payments. Sure, in the past a few delays could be overlooked for a little while, but a flooding of delays would cause major damage. Don’t let your practice suffer. Stay on top of your billing and make sure you get paid correctly.

Hire A Medical Coding Company

The best way to ensure your codes are done correctly and your billing cycle runs smoothly is to hire a medical coding company. Outsourcing your billing and coding to a professional will not only save you stress but time and money.

Through outsourcing, your staff is freed up. The team you have dedicated to billing can return their focus to their core responsibilities. The staff you have overseeing codes can relax and focus on other duties. Your practice as a whole will gain morale, and your patients will see that benefit.

Perhaps you are spending a lot of money on training? Well, stop! Outsourcing will save that money, and then some. You see, by avoiding a massive backup in your billing cycle, you can be sure no money has been lost. Additionally, you will have more time to help current and new patients alike!

Are you interested in the help a medical coding company can offer you? If so, contact us today!