Okay, I’m guilty. I’ve had my (brand new, binding intact) DSM-V on my desk for months now. I knew the changes were significant and I made sure I knew about those, but I just didn’t want to deal with the restuntil I had to.
Well… now I have to.
October 1 2015, all providers covered by HIPAA must transition to the ICD-10 for diagnostic coding. I’m told that CMSsaid they wereallowingNOgrace period for this transition. Sessions on September 30 will be coded using ICD-9, and sessions on October 1 will be coded using ICD-10. Period. However, I see that in early July, they came back and said they would not deny claims due to the coding for the first 12 months. That’s not to say that other insurance companies will give the same leeway!
So… last week I put my fancy tabs on my DSM-V with the intention of brining it to my office this week to use it to determine the correct ICD-10 diagnoses and coding in anticipation of October 1 (you can’t actually use the new codes until then).
Those of you who’ve already been using the DSM-V criteria since January 1 know there are many differences to take into consideration even with the criteria for some diagnoses. So it’s not just a simple update.
That’s why I’m encouraging you to start now. Bite the bullet. Be ready to hit the ground running with the ICD-10 coding for October 1.
And, if you don’t think you need to be concerned because you are not considered a “covered entity” by HIPAA… you might still consider these…
5 Reasons To Start Preparing For ICD-10 Now
- If you are considered a “covered entity” by HIPAA — you MUST abide by this change
- October 1 is only a few weeks away; if you start coding each day for that day’s clients, by the time October 1 comes around you’ll have all of the appropriate codes to put in place on October 1, without so much stress
- If you provide super bills to your clients or if you bill for your clients as an out of network provider, you’ll need to use ICD-10 diagnostic codes starting October 1
- The diagnosis and coding might be more complicated than you anticipate. Remember, there were some significant changes in DSM-5 so you’ll want to be sure your diagnoses are accurate given any new criteria and your codes are correct and complete with any qualifiers
- Even if you don’t bill or give super bills, you’ll want to be able to “speak the shared language of our profession” with other professionals, on legaldocuments, and in the client’s chart
Start now, and alleviate the overwhelming stress that might come along with procrastination. You can do this — one chunk at a time!
