Every year new challenges present themselves. Sometimes it is in technology, sometimes it is in process, and sometimes it is all of the above. This year and most likely next year, the biggest challenge healthcare organizations are facing involves the ICD-10 coding classification transition. With the deadline postponed to October 2014, that gives an extra year to worry, and plan.
Many articles have been written here and other places about the ICD-10 coding classification transition and the fast approaching deadline of October 2014. Thorough and complex information has been provided to healthcare organizations to help them prepare for this huge change.
Medical professionals are always concerned about healthcare fraud and with the impending ICD-10 transition, this concerns increases. Detection relies on complex algorithms to detect outliers in claims data, but the concern is that ICD-10 may challenge these algorithms and render them less than efficient.
lifeIMAGE offers cloud-based software that facilitates transferring, indexing, and searching for digital medical images to help prevent redundant patient exams. In addition to saving time and money, this can also reduce radiation exposure for patients. In addition, a cloud-based service can help providers securely and automatically share results of imaging exams in the cloud. lifeIMAGE products include open application software interfaces for healthcare information technology companies to use to facilitate data exchange between healthcare providers.
With the ICD-10 conversion less than two years away, there are pressing issues for providers looking to implement the new coding classification system. At the top of the "to-do" list is education and training for the staff who will be directly involved in using the new ICD-10 codes.
ICD-10 is a frequent topic, and the challenges of the transition continue to stay on the minds and lips of most healthcare professionals. Some physicians are feeling the frustration of losing quality patient healthcare time to handle the coding and technical side of this update.
The ICD-10 transition will require new technology and workflow adjustments for everyone involved. The implementation is set for October 1, 2014 and will have five times the number of codes than its predecessor.
As preparations continue for the ICD-10 conversation, a review of current usage of ICD-9 codes can be helpful in planning for the new state of affairs on Octover 1, 2014.