CMS to help physicians ease into ICD-10

CMS announced this week it is making changes to the ICD-10 implementation transition period to help physicians avoid financial disruption and claims denials. The transition period will last for two years after the ICD-10 code set implementation deadline of October 1. Among the changes, in the first year, Medicare claims will not be denied solely based on erroneous diagnosis codes as long as the codes are from the appropriate family of codes. Also, CMS will authorize advanced payment to physicians if Medicare contractors are unable to process claims because of problems with ICD-10. A communication center will be established to monitor ICD-10-related physician issues, with an ICD-10 ombudsman focused on resolving problems. 
 
Source: AMA Wire