Here's what to focus on when you're switching to 5010.
Q: What should I focus on to transition to the version 5010 of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding system?
A: Your clearinghouse already may be "upconverting" your 4010 claims to 5010 claims to send to payers. If so, you will want to check with it to see how long it will continue the upconversion process before you have to generate claims in the new format yourself.
In addition, contact your practice management software vendor to verify your readiness to send claims in the 5010 format natively out of your system. Your vendor should be able to tell you what version of the software you need to use to achieve compliance. If you are using an outdated version, chances are you'll need to upgrade your equipment to be able to handle the new version of the software.
The compliance date for converting to the ICD-10 coding system is October 1, 2014.
Answers to our readers' questions were provided by Lyle Melick, manager of information systems, SS&G Healthcare Services LLC in Akron, Ohio.