Tackling the real ICD-10 challenge: Post-implementation maintenance and support  

Category: ICD-10

Focus on the ICD-10 code sets has been growing ever sharper in recent months. Not surprisingly, much of the current attention is devoted to updating health information technology (HIT) and workflow processes to accommodate the new codes by the rapidly approaching Oct. 1, 2013, implementation date.

The problem, however, is that too many healthcare organizations view the ICD-10 transition as a one-time event. They plan to go live with the new codes in 2013, but most have given little thought to ongoing maintenance and support issues. Getting to ICD-10 is only the tip of the iceberg; the real challenge is ensuring the ability to evolve along with it.

As coders, billers and other HIM professionals are well aware, all coding is a continual progression. It doesnt matter whether youre working with CPT, ICD-9 (CM or PCS), SNOMED or ICD-10 (CM or PCS). As the saying goes: The o...