Two ICD-10 Prep Tips for Practices

Think coding is hard now? ICD-10 will require far greater specificity and documentation. It's critical for practices to start preparing now. To help you get started, here are two ICD-10 prep tips from Jeffrey Restuccio, a certified professional coder with Ritecode.com in Memphis, Tenn.

1. Learn from ICD-9

Restuccio says practices should review their ICD-9 charge slips for the last year and circle any unspecified codes submitted. All team members involved in coding for your practice, including physicians, coders, and billers, should determine which new codes will apply for such services or procedures under ICD-10, and what supporting documentation will be required.

2. Focus on the top 10

Many EHRs can also generate a report of your top 10 diagnosis and procedure codes and convert them to ICD-10. By putting those codes under the microscope, especially high dollar and high volume claims that account for the bulk of your revenue, you can help maintain revenue stream integrity when the new system goes live - and pinpoint opportunities for additional reimbursement. "This is an opportunity for spring cleaning," says Restuccio.

"Everyone makes it out like the conversion to ICD-10 will be a huge drag on revenue, but if you are documenting correctly there are many opportunities embedded within and you can actually increase your revenue."