CMS will conduct end-to-end testing for Medicare claims using ICD-10 codes

With the October 1, 2014, deadline fast approaching, many physician groups, including the American Medical Association (AMA), have expressed concern over whether or not payers will be ready for the upgrade to the International Classification of Diseases-10^th Revision (ICD-10) code set. In an effort to alleviate some of that concern, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that it will conduct end-to-ending testing for Medicare claims submitted using the new codes.

However, the testing program will only be with a limited number of providers, which the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) says doesn’t go far enough.

“MGMA urges CMS, however, to expand the scope of this testing approach to include any provider who wishes to test with them, as well as quickly disseminating results from all Medicare and Medicaid testing efforts,” said Susan Turney, MD, MS, FACP, FACMPE, president and chief executive officer of MGMA, in a written statement. “This more robust testing is imperative to identify potential operational problems similar to what was experienced with the rollout of healthcare.gov. At the same time, it will help to decrease the potential of catastrophic cash flow disruption that could impact the ability of practices to treat patients. MGMA recommends physician practices continue to prepare for the transition to ICD-10 and provides tools and resources to assist members meet this complex challenge.”

The AMA sent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius a letter last month urging the delay of ICD-10. A recent study conducted by the AMA showed that the costs of implementing the new code set have been grossly underestimated. 

CMS will conduct front-end claims testing with providers from March 3 to March 7.  

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