With the transition to the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code set looming just more than a year away, many providers are wondering: When will my Medicare administrative contractor (MAC) let me see what its local coverage determinations will look like with ICD-10 diagnosis codes?
 
Yesterday, CMS had an answer: April 2014.
 
MACs are working on the conversions right now, explained Janet Brock of CMS’ coverage and analysis group during an Aug. 22 call with providers on ICD-10.
 
The contractors have committed to making their ICD-10-converted LCDs available on their websites and on the CMS coverage database by that date, though “you may see them sooner than that,” Brock said.
 
By the way, don’t expect any changes in coverage policy as a result of this conversion, she added. “If there was, the policy would have to be re-opened” and undergo the proposal and approval process.
 
For more key updates and guidance on ICD-10 transition, keep reading DecisionHealth coding publications including Medical Practice Coding Pro, Orthopedic Coder’s Pink Sheet, Anesthesia & Pain Coder’s Pink Sheet and the Cardiology Coder’s Pink Sheet, as well as Part B News.