Medical Coding

The healthcare sector is anticipating a significant transformation with the impending implementation of ICD-10 medical coding. This transition to the ICD-10 code sets is scheduled for October 2015, prompting facilities, clearinghouses, payers, and medical coding companies to initiate preparations. The adoption of ICD-10 codes is anticipated to enhance patient care, improve billing accuracy for physicians, boost clinical performance, and provide numerous other advantages in the initial months following its implementation.

Several potential challenges may arise during this transition, including:

• Increased time required for coding charts.
• Rising coding costs due to decreased coder productivity associated with the new codes.
• Accumulation of accounts receivable due to the complexity of ICD-10 codes and their documentation requirements
• Expenses related to new technology
• Costs associated with clinical documentation

Healthcare entities will face the considerable challenge of preparing for the ICD-10 medical coding transition while simultaneously managing billing functions. Consequently, outsourcing certain coding responsibilities to a reputable offshore medical coding company, such as HANA HealthCare, may be a wise strategy to mitigate associated risks.

HANA HealthCare's personnel are already proficient in ICD-10-CM coding, having completed the necessary online training and certification. As a leading medical coding company, HANA HealthCare is well-positioned to serve as a valuable partner during this challenging transition to ICD-10 medical coding.

Although the deadline has been extended by one year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently released testing data indicating that most healthcare entities, with the exception of physicians and facilities, are adequately prepared for the transition. While the urgency of the ICD-10 transition may not be immediate, attention and momentum. Collaborating with a suitable partner like HANA HealthCare at this juncture will facilitate a smooth transition when the time arrives.