CMS has suggested the following timeline for ICD-10 implementation at physician practices:
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Phase 1: January 2009 to June 2011
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Phase 2: January 2011 to June 2013
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Phase 3: January 2013 to September 2013
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Phase 4: October 2013 to December 2014
The timing and length of each phase depends on the size and scope of each practice, and you can expect some overlap between the phases, CMS says.
Most practices should be on their way toward completing phase 1 – creating a development plan for ICD-10. This is accomplished by forming a steering committee comprised of representatives from groups in the practice (e.g., physicians, coders, etc.) that will be affected by the switch. The committee provides organization-wide ICD-10 awareness education (such as what are the differences between new and old coding sets, and ICD-10 deadlines to watch) for key stakeholders. Phase 1 also includes identifying potential problems with internal and external reporting processes (e.g., registries, quality measures, performance measures, state data reporting), the impact on coding and billing productivity, and vendor readiness. Practice leaders can then determine the amount of training that will be needed.
Phase 2 is when providers further prepare for ICD-10 implementation. For example, coders will start to gain familiarity with the new diagnosis codes. Phase 3 is when practices “go live” and phase 4 involves analyzing of how the practice handled the transition.
And, in case you forgot, Oct. 1, 2013 is the deadline for ICD-10 implementation. CMS promises there will be no delays and no grace period.