It's no longer a mere possibility; the Department of Health and Human Services HHS has confirmed its intent to delay the ICD-10 compliance deadline, according to its latest press release.
ICD-10 will bring many changes, particularly when it comes to fracture coding. But practice will help reinforce ICD-10 education on the subject, and Lolita M. Jones, RHIA, CCS, sole principal of Lolita M. Jones Consulting Services in Fort Washington, MD, provides a sample op report for just that purpose.
Most HIM directors have October 2013 looming in their minds as the ICD-10 implementation deadline. But according to many experts, coders should be coding in both ICD-9 and ICD-10 well in advance of that date.
On October 1, 2013, the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCSclassification systems will take effect, and should result in better data capture nationwide. The change means healthcare organizations urgently need to educate providers on the importance of improved patient care documentation.
As hospitals begin to develop more intensive training programs in preparation for ICD-10, coordinators may want to consider how different learning styles will impact the effectiveness of these training sessions. Education has to work for everyone and one size does not always fit all.
