Are you using ICD-10 correctly? You can verify by checking the status of recent Medicare Claims

With the recent transition to ICD-10, you may want to verify that you are using the new coding system correctly. You can do so by checking the status of Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims that were submitted using ICD-10 codes. Generally, Medicare FFS claims take several days to be processed and must also – by law – wait two weeks before payment is issued.

You can check your Medicare FFS claim status by:

• Interactive Voice Response (IVR): IVR gives providers access to Medicare claims information. The telephone number for IVR: 855-609-9960. Visit the website of Noridian, California’s Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), for information on the Provider Contact Center and IVR user guide.
• Customer Service Representative (CSR): Contact a CSR only if you are unable to access claims information via IVR. Once at or past the main telephone menu, indicate “representative” or “agent” to be transferred to a representative.
• MAC portal: Visit Noridian’s website for portal features and access.

Do you or your staff want more information about ICD-10? COA developed detailed fact sheets, along with co-sponsoring a webinar, that explain ICD-10 coding and offer tips and resources for the transition. Download the fact sheets here (log-in required):

•     Resources for ICD-10 – This fact sheet offers a comprehensive list of ICD-10 resources.
•     Making the Transition: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes – This fact sheet offers implementation tips, code characteristics, and a task list to complete.
•     ICD-10: It’s Almost Here. Are You Ready? Dr. Peter Cass discusses how to prepare and deal with the change to ICD-10.

If you feel like handouts and fact sheets are not enough, attend COA’s November 13-15 Monterey Symposium where Spencer Johnson, OD, explains the difference between ICD-9 and ICD-10, the benefits of ICD-10 coding, and builds your confidence in using the new system at the course “ICD-10;” and Aaron Lech, OD, FAAO, offers a list of tools to help transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 in his class “Insurance Conundrums - Top Ten List.”