MMS has the latest news alert from CMS regarding ICD-10! Last Friday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized its proposal to delay ICD-10 one year from Oct. 2013 to Oct. 2014. The one-year delay of ICD-10 is in response to continued concerns from MGMA that adoption of the new code set will prove extremely challenging to physician practices. Despite the additional year for implementation of ICD-10, MGMA remains concerned that CMS has mandated this new code set without having done the necessary due diligence to ensure physicians will not experience debilitating cash-flow disruptions.

The rule also finalizes a plan to implement a national health plan identifier, required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.

For more information see the CMS press release.

 original posting:MGMA Washington Connexion 8/24/12

In recent months we have written several articles suggesting that the United States will more than likely look toward jumping streight into ICD 11 over ICD 10. In a recent article posted on www.physicianbiztech.com this is exactly what the AMA is proposing.

In a letter sent this week to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, Medical Group Management Association President Susan Turney reiterates the organization's position from March that the ICD-10 process, as currently outlined, lacks several steps.

I find it very interesting how the process continues to unfold. As practices are consumed with 5010 and EHR implementation, many still find time to worry about ICD-10 implementation scheduled for a year and a half from now!

In an announcement today from the Washington Connection of MGMA, CMS has announced they will delay enforcement of 5010 penalties until June 30, 2012.

If you have not begun to prepare for ICD-10, don't panic! Here is a "beacon of hope" to guide you. It is not too late to get your program in check to be as prepared as possible for the inevitable changes that are scheduled to occur in Oct 2013. Here I will share with you 5 steps you can take to get a basic plan in place.

There are many articles out there right now attempting to help guide you to ICD-10 preparedness. In this article I will try to teach you some basic tips to help you find the right materials to help you get a plan in place.

As many of us are aware, MGMA and the AMA have recently launched campaigns to delay the ICD-10 initiative due to issues with 5010 compliance and difficulties with Meaningful Use.

Several years ago, actually about 30, I was working as a business manager for a large hospital lab.  4 pathologists, a full service lab serving a 500 bed hospital and designated trauma center. The lab also offered its services to an adjoining Clinic with about 175 physicians, all specialties.  Can you say busy?

It is no secret that many practices are facing many difficulties filing claims under the new 5010 standards. Just this week MGMA President sent a letter to congress asking for an immediate inquiry into the 5010 dilemma.