Chiropractors Transitioning from ICD-9 to ICD-10

August 17, 2015
Chiropractic Medicare 2015ICD-10 Change and Easy Transition

     As we approach the ICD-10 deadline, let us do a little preparation so the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 is easy. First question..... How many of you wish to become Coding Experts? I suspect NONE want to become Coding Experts.... so you will enjoy this article and it may even take a little pressure off.

     Secondly, to really take a little pressure off, CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of the Administrator) presented a letter to all Medicare Providers dated July 7, 2015 that contains a paragraph as follows:

    “For 12 months after ICD-10 implementation, Medicare review contractors will NOT deny physician or other practitioner claims billed under the Part B physician fee schedule through either automated medical review or complex medical record review based solely on the specificity of the ICD-10 diagnosis code as long as the physician/practitioner used a code from the right family.  However, a valid ICD-10 code will be required on all codes starting October 1, 2015” 

     That clearly means that after October 2015 NO ICD-9 codes may be used on any claim, not only to Medicare, but all insurances.  The transition must be 100%.  Prior to October 1, 2015, NO ICD-10 code are acceptable.  Wednesday evening, September 30 will be the end of ICD-9 codes forever.

     To prevent delays in payment, it is important to bill all your Medicare and insurance claims as quickly as possible prior to October 1, 2015.  So Thursday morning, October 1, 2015, all your patient diagnosis must be changed as you see the patient and do their S.O.A.P. notes.  If you bill each day electronically, make sure no ICD-9 codes appear on any claims.

     All certified software have special migration programs making it much easier to switch to ICD-10.  ChiroTouch, as an example, uses ICD-10 wizard in the diagnosis window to practice matching your present diagnosis with the new ICD-10 diagnosis.  Even though you are adding new ICD-10 diagnosis prior to October 1, no permanent changes go into the official records or any claim prior to October 1, as it is designed for practice only.

 As Chiropractors, remember, we are not reimbursed in Medicare to “treat” patient symptoms, but to locate and correct vertebral subluxations.  Your diagnosis should be a Chiropractic diagnosis with subluxations, degenerative joint disease, sprain/strain, neuritis, etc.  Practice makes perfect.....and we will soon get used to it.