ICD-10 Introduces New CM Coding Standards – Review of Ophthalmology

The number of CM (Clinical Modification) codes has increased to allow for detailed tracking of signs and symptoms of disease.

This article answers the following questions:

• Is the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding system used for purposes above and beyond reimbursement?
• How long has the system been in place?
• Is the ICD-10 version new?
• When will ICD-10 be implemented in the United States?
• Why is the ICD-9 system no longer adequate?
• Is the number of code additions and changes significant?
• What are some of the specific differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10?
• Is there a particular change to ICD-10 codes that has increased the number of codes so dramatically?
• Will I need to update my computer system to handle ICD-10 codes?
• Will we continue to need both ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes in our computer after October 13, 2013?
• Will there be any helpful tools like a crosswalk guide from ICD-9 to ICD-10?
• Will I be able to continue using a route slip or superbill to capture both procedure and ICD-10 codes?
• What should I do now to begin to prepare for ICD-10?

This article was published in Review of Ophthalmology’s Medicare Q & A column, which is written by Corcoran’s Vice-President, Donna McCune, CCS-P, COE, CPMA. To view the entire article in Review of Ophthalmology, click on the link below:

http://www.revophth.com/content/d/medicare_q___and___a/i/1650/c/30394/