HIMSS Calls for Maintaining October 1, 2013 ICD-10 Implementation Deadline for Most Healthcare Entities

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ICD-10 represents one of the most comprehensive projects in healthcare today with far-reaching impacts throughout the healthcare delivery system. An added layer of complexity involves the implementation of other significant programs, such as Meaningful Use and 5010, in a similar period of time. In light of these multiple requirements, HIMSS has polled the provider community to ascertain ICD-10 readiness.

HIMSS’ research of providers suggests that most of the larger providers are taking the necessary steps to be ready for ICD-10 by CMS’ existing regulatory timeframe of October 1, 2013. Based on forthcoming research to be released at the HIMSS Annual Conference & Exhibition next week, nearly 90 percent of the 302 healthcare IT executives responding to HIMSS’ 23rd Annual Leadership Survey said they expect to complete the conversion to ICD-10 by the deadline. In fact, two-thirds of respondents (67 percent) indicated that implementing ICD-10 continues to be their top focus for financial IT systems.

HIMSS believes that there is achievable value in the adoption of ICD-10 by October 1, 2013 for most healthcare stakeholders. The use of this more robust and upgraded data classification system, with the capacity to include current medical knowledge and 21st century patient procedures, will improve healthcare. Therefore, while HHS indicated this week that it intends to launch a process to delay the date by which certain health care entities have to comply, HIMSS urges maintaining the existing deadline of October 1, 2013 for most providers.

HIMSS members suggest that any delay in the implementation of ICD-10 could result in additional provider costs. Examples of these costs include maintaining two separate systems, retaining the services of consultants for longer than anticipated, and re-training staff. That is on top of multi-million dollar financial investments that have been budgeted to meet the ICD-10 deadline. These investments include, but are not limited to, related activities such as training, securing project resources, obtaining consultants and performing vendor analyses. Nineteen percent of respondents to the HIMSS Leadership Survey said their organization had spent more than $1 million on the conversion to ICD-10.

HIMSS believes there are several reasons why ICD-10 implementation should retain its current timeline, including:

  • ICD-10 is the very basic foundation for other healthcare transformation efforts, including Meaningful Use.
  • ICD-10-CM/PCS will have positive implications for patients. Better clinical intelligence data can describe multiple levels of severity, which should result in improved care algorithms to support accurate, more individualized patient care and lead to or promulgate improved outcomes.
  • ICD-10-CM/PCS will provide more accurate payment structures for providers over time.
  • ICD-10 has the potential to reduce costly requests for health information.
  • Increased research capabilities, quality metrics and public health tracking and reporting made possible due to ICD-10 cannot be overemphasized.
  • The ICD-9 numbering system cannot accommodate today’s current medical technology used for patient procedures.
  • Continued use of ICD-9, with its limited codes, will hinder progress towards clinical best practice and evidence-based medicine.

The final rule mandating implementation of ICD-10 was published in the Federal Register on January 16, 2009 with a compliance date of October 1, 2013. For the past three years, impacted stakeholders have been planning for the monumental change, which is systemic in nature. HIMSS’ policy regarding ICD-10 states that, “All sectors of the health industry, including those outside of HHS and the federal agencies, should use ICD-10 as a foundational element.”

While HIMSS understands and recognizes that there are providers facing resource challenges to meet the compliance date, the conversion to ICD-10 code sets will affect more positive outcomes for patients. To that end, the Society offers a comprehensive and credible portfolio of ICD-10 related tools, resources, education, and community for health providers. Today, HIMSS and AHIMA will be releasing its “ICD-10 Critical Pathway to Getting Started – 2012 and Beyond.” This readiness tool is designed to help providers, just starting on the ICD-10 conversion effort, to achieve the October 1, 2013 deadline.



CONTACT:

HIMSS
Elinore Boeke, 703-562-8817
[email protected]

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Illinois  Nevada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Data Management  Software  Health  Hospitals

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