CMS Proposes New ICD-10 Implementation Date

Last week, the 2015 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-05-15/pdf/2014-10067.pdf) included references that October 1, 2015 will be the new ICD-10 implementation date.  In three separate instances, the verbiage clearly indicates the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) intent to move forward with ICD-10 implementation.

On page 648, CMS states “The ICD-10-CM/PCS transition is scheduled to take place on October 1, 2015.  After that date, we will collect non-electronic health record-based quality measure data coded only in ICD-10-CM/PCS.”  Again, on page 1065, it is stated that “ICD-10 will officially be implemented on October 1, 2015.”  And, finally, on page 1074, “ICD-10-CM/PCS will officially be implemented on October 1, 2015.”

Shortly after this announcement, CMS released a special edition of the Medicare Learning Network Provider Connect.  In this issue, CMS indicates that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expects to release an interim final rule in the near future that will include a new compliance date that would require the use of ICD-10 beginning October 1, 2015. The rule will also require HIPAA covered entities to continue to use ICD-9-CM through September 30, 2015.

Related to the new ICD-10 implementation date, CMS has cancelled the previously scheduled end-to-end testing from July 21 through July 25, 2014.  The web site states that additional opportunities for testing will be available in 2015.  These testing dates will allow a sample group of providers the opportunity to participate in testing with Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and the Common Electronic Data Interchange (CEDI) contractor.

Most health care professionals agree that it is crucial to continue ICD-10 implementation.  In order for a successful transition to occur, conscientious planning and organizing the implementation effort must be in place now.