Cautiously optimistic is one way to describe the attitude toward the launch of ICD-10.
The additional specificity required by the code set did slow down claims processing for coders and clinicians alike on day one. “A lot of them had the code numbers in their heads; now they’re having to look them up. But they’re all dealing with it,” says Teresa Kilpatrick, office manager, Canadian Valley Family Care, Yukon, Okla.
At the practice, the physician transmits the diagnosis codes and billing staff check it, Kilpatrick explains.
Pollux Systems Inc. tested with payers, staffed for the drop in productivity and planned for wrinkles, says Elizabeth Reger, vice president of operations for theEvansville, Ind., company.
If necessary, the revenue cycle management company will pay overtime to make sure client claims are processed in a timely manner.
However, both Kilpatrick and Reger say it’s too early to tell how their organizations fared in the transition. It will take a few weeks for claims to cycle through the various payers.
Reger advises keeping an eye on denial trends. Anything over 15% a day for several days in a row would be a sign of serious trouble. “I think that if anything is going to happen, it will be glaring and easy to see.”