ICD-10: Be a part of the solution

ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes will be required on all professional and outpatient claims with dates of service on or after the compliance date of Oct. 1, 2015, as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Both ICD-10-CM diagnosis and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes will be required on all inpatient institutional claims with discharge dates on or after Oct. 1, 2015. Service dates or discharge dates prior to Oct. 1, 2015, will require ICD-9 codes. Use of other codes, such as Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®'), HCPCS and Revenue Codes will not be impacted by this change.

The bottom line: The transition to ICD-10 is happening and there is a lot you need to do to prepare. Here are four ways you can take action, right now.

1. Talk to your software vendor, billing service or clearinghouse
Your focus is caring for your patients, but your claims also need your attention. To prepare for ICD-10 you need to consider how your claims are submitted and by whom. If you use an Electronic Health/Medical Record (EHR/EMR) system, Practice Management System (PMS) or Health Information System (HIS), have you contacted your software vendor to confirm that all necessary updates will be completed and ready for you by the compliance deadline? Or, if you use a billing service or clearinghouse, have you contacted them to make sure they are ready to submit compliant claims on your behalf?

2. Start adding ICD-10 to referrals and orders for future services likely to occur Oct. 1, 2015, and later
The provider receiving your referral or order often relies on your diagnosis for their own billing. If you are not sure when the future service will occur, include both ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes on your request.

3. Ask about testing with us
Testing is important to help identify possible issues well before the Oct. 1, 2015, ICD-10 compliance date.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) began provider ICD-10 testing in April 2015. If you are interested in testing with us, please contact your assigned Network Management Consultant. Provider ICD-10 testing at BCBSTX is scheduled to run through Sept. 15, 2015. Or, send an email to icd@bcbstx.com and please include ‘ICD-10 Testing Request’ in the subject line of the email. Provider ICD-10 testing at BCBSTX is scheduled to run through Sept. 15, 2015.

4. Take our ICD-10 readiness assessment
We encourage you to complete our brief online ICD-10 Readiness Assessment. Survey responses will help us understand what types of communication materials and resources you and your staff need to help you achieve compliance. A link to the ICD-10 Readiness Assessment will be available on the home page of the BCBSTX provider website through May 27, 2015. General results will be shared in an upcoming issue of our provider newsletter. All individual provider responses and contact information will be kept confidential.

Questions? Please email us at icd@bcbstx.com, and we will be happy to assist.

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