CMS administrator says ‘No’ to ICD-10 deadline delay

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Marilyn Tavenner recently indicated that providers and others can look for no relief from the looming October 1 compliance deadline for the nationwide conversion to the ICD-10 family of diagnostic and procedural codes. Tavenner said the agency is encouraging all providers, payers and claims clearinghouses to make plans for the coming conversion.

To help member doctors of optometry and their staff prepare for this transition, the below COA, AOA and CMS resources are available: 

COA's OptoWest, April 3-6, will feature the class, "ICD-10: The Future is Now." At a flat registration rate, doctors can earn up to 19 continuing education credit hours at the April CE event. Register now.

• AOA has a members-only summary (member login required) of the growing list of ICD-10 and other coding resources. Many of the coding resources are complimentary or included with an AOA membership, though other products are available for purchase through the AOA Marketplace with substantial member discounts. Members are encouraged to check the medical records and coding page on the AOA website regularly for updates.
• Use the AOA "Ask the Coding Experts" e-service for medical records and coding questions; send your question by email or submit it on the online form and a coding expert will respond.
• CMS recently released a MLN Matters® Special Edition article, "Testing for ICD-10." Among other things, in the article is a useful section titled "Provider-Initiated Beta Testing Tools" that contains links to a variety of free testing tools available to determine the readiness of your software system for ICD-10.
• Visit the CMS ICD-10 website for the latest news and resources.

Return on Dues Investment. Use of these resources by doctors and their staff members returns multiple dividends on your annual dues investment by saving time researching answers, avoiding costly coding missteps and obtaining receipt of proper reimbursement.

Return to March