Yes, we have until 2013. However, the more I take part in ICD-10 planning committees, the more I realize that this is going to take a huge amount of preparation time.
It’s time to get started now.
Obviously, since we’re still in the process of training the trainers on ICD-10, I’m not referring to training your team on the actual ICD-10 codes. But, since ICD-10 will place a significant emphasis on specificity and anatomy, I do believe that it is time to start training your providers and coders on:
- Documenting every detail (providers)
- Understanding what they will be reading (coders)
This means some form of Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) program across your organization. It also means training or retraining your coders on Anatomy.
These things take tremendous amounts of time, and the time to train on the actual codes is quickly approaching. The best way to avoid a training logjam at the end is to begin soon. (Logjams in coding tend to be a major financial problem)
The time is now. Don’t forget to budget for it.
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About the Author:
Aaron is one of the leaders of the HIM Circle movement and former HIM Director at multiple hospitals. Join the free HIM Circle for further discussion about ICD-10 on these various forums:
Clear HIM Matters 