Provider pushback seals delay of ICD-10 until late 2014

Implementation of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10), has been delayed until October 1, 2014, according to new rules published in the Federal Register.

The extension was granted to offer healthcare providers more time to implement the more detailed system, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

"Some provider groups have expressed strong concern about their ability to meet the October 1, 2013, compliance date and the serious claims payment issues that might then ensue," CMS says in the rule.

Medical Economics reported on a survey in mid-July from HealthEdge that found that only 61% of payers were ready to implement ICD-10. Preparedness continues to concern the Medical Group Management Association–American College of Medical Practice Executives. (MGMA-ACMPE).

"We are not confident that critical trading partners, including Medicare and state Medicaid plans, will be ready in time to conduct testing well in advance of the October 2014 compliance date," says Susan Turney, MD, MS, FACP, FACMPE, president and chief executive officer of MGMA-ACMPE. educational resources.

Despite the delays, CMS contends the change is needed, noting that "covered healthcare providers are frustrated by various problems associated with the lack of a standard identifier, such as improper routing of transactions, rejected transactions due to insurance identification errors, difficulty in determining patient eligibility, and challenges resulting from errors in identifying the correct health plan during claims processing."

The program is divided into three stages:

STAGE 1 sets the basic functionalities EHRs must include, such as capturing data electronically and providing patients with electronic copies of health information.

STAGE 2 (which will begin as early as 2014) is designed to increase health information exchange between providers and promote patient engagement by giving patients secure online access to their health information.

STAGE 3 will continue to expand meaningful use objectives with the goal of improving healthcare outcomes.