Providers won't get a reprieve from timely ICD-10 implementation--and if they aren't ready they won't get paid for any HIPAA transaction. "October 1, 2013, is the compliance date for implementation of ICD-10-CM (diagnoses) and ICD-10-PCS (procedures) codes for services provided on or after October 1, 2013. There will be no delays and no grace period," advises the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in one of 11 new Frequently Asked Questions available under "Related Links Inside CMS" on the Medicare Fee-for-Service Provider Resources page that is part of CMS' ICD-10 website. At the April 27 ICD-10 vendor conference held by CMS, software vendors expressed concern that providers don't understand the magnitude of the switch to ICD-10. Providers need to begin preparing for the transition now, including conducting impact assessments, according to the executive summary of the conference posted on the Latest News page of the ICD-10 website. Link