Sunday, June 12, 2011

ICD-10 Training Update from the 'Educator'

Yes - I survived AHIMA 'train the trainer' ICD-10 CM & PCS training. It was an incredibly tough class, but I did make it through, and LEARNED SO VERY MUCH!!! I am very grateful to the IdHIMA who sponsored me with a scholarship to the AHIMA training session in Coeur d'Alene.

All that is left to do is for me is to pass the AHIMA certification test. It was an amazing class. The trainers were very knowledgeable and helpful. So - if you or your office is interested, let me know, as I'll be available to get your office staff and providers I-10 AHIMA based training. It know it really seems like a long way off, but we are only 26 months away...

eeeeeks... now the pressure mounts!

"Go-live" is officially Oct 1, 2013 and CMS has stated that this date is FIRM! Those of you that know me, know that I am very committed to bringing you the BEST training possible, at the BEST price around. (Plus you know how much fun I am!!!) You can always e-mail me @ webbservices.lori@gmail.com to set up some training, or even do a quick 'overview' to help get things rolling for you, your providers and your practice.

To get a 'free' sneak-peek at what is happening on the ICD-10 processes, take advantage of what CMS has provided on their websites. http://www.cms.gov/ICD10 This information is what AHIMA has used to train me on both the ICD-10 CM (diagnosing) and ICD-10 PCS (procedural codes - formerly the ICD-9 book 3)

My feeling is that for our outpatient coders, the system and format look radically different, but the process of looking up the code in the alpha index, then going to the numeric/tabular index is the same. The guidelines and the feel of the set up are very similar. I have not yet had the opportunity to investigate the GEMS mapping. I understand that there are some inaccuracies in the maps, but they can help you see the cross over between ICD-9 and ICD-10.

For our hospital based coders,the ICD-10-PCS system is radically different from the Volume 3 ICD-9 we now use. ICD-10-PCS has a somewhat "CPT" feel, however it is much more in-depth. The ICD-10-PCS system combines the theory of ICD-10 diagnosing in a procedure based 'building' of the coding system. You actually get to 'build' the code from the ground up. While I was in class, building the codes by hand using the code-books rather than an encoder was very enlightening. We need to ensure that we all know how to use our books. However, I am hopeful that the software for our encoders will make surgical/procedure coding & diagnosing as quick for us when we go live with I-10, as it is now. Education and understanding of the new system is crucial for accurate coding and abstraction.

Basic Guidelines/Functions:

•All codes are seven characters long.

•The definition of each character is a function of its physical position in the code.

•The Tables are organized beginning with the numeric values in order first followed by the alphabetic values in order. For the second through the seventh character value, this same convention is followed within each Table.

•Root operation Tables contain values for characters 1–3 and four columns providing the valid combinations of values for characters 4–7 required for code creation.

•Each column in the Table may have a varying number of rows.

•Main terms are based on the second and third-character value.

•The root operation values, character 3, are included as main terms for the Medical and Surgical and related sections. For other sections, the general type of procedure performed is listed as a main term.

•Common procedure terms such as appendectomy are also listed as main terms in the Index.

The list below shows the 7 sections.....

Character 1 Section
Character 2 Body System
Character 3 Root Operation
Character 4 Body Part
Character 5 Approach
Character 6 Device
Character 7 Qualifier

... and as in ICD-9, ICD-10 still utilizes an Alpha index, to cross reference back to the tables, or 'numeric tables'.

ICD-10-PCS Code: 0/V/5/0/8/Z/Z Transurethral endoscopic laser ablation of prostate

ICD-9- Volume 3: 60.21 Transurethral guided laser induced prostatectomy


Anyway... I hope this helps 'pique' your interest in moving forward toward the new ICD-10 systems. Of course, the only thing that stays the same in the medical field is "change"...... Happy Coding, and I hope to hear from you all soon!