At the OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, we strive to make your experience with us a positive one. That’s why we want to explain the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 and what it means for you, our valued patient.
Effective Oct. 1, 2015, the ICD diagnosis codes used to bill insurances for services rendered to patients will change. Although these changes are being implemented to improve healthcare procedures, there may be extended waiting periods if you have an appointment scheduled at the beginning of the month. We would like to apologize in advance for any inconveniences this may cause and assure you that we are working to streamline the implementation of these nationwide changes as efficiently as possible!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us to today to learn more. In the meantime, we’ve compiled what you need to know about the ICD code changes below.
What Is Different with ICD-10?
The World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD) has been serving obstetricians and gynecologists, as well as the rest of the healthcare community for more than a 100 years. The current International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) has been in place since 1979. And although most industrialized countries have been utilizing ICD-10 for several years, the United States is just now making the transition.
Starting Oct. 1, 2015, ICD-9 diagnosis codes will no longer be reported. Rather, ICD-10 codes will be used. Unlike the outdated codes, ICD-10 codes use three to seven characteristics in an alphanumeric combination. The different code structure allows roughly five times as many ICD codes than before, which will ensure a greater level of specificity in coding diagnoses. The implementation of 68,000 new codes may cause extended waiting periods in our offices at the beginning of the month.
What Does ICD-10 Mean for Patients?
The new and improved ICD-10 was created by physicians for physicians to streamline the coding system that was put in place more than 30 years ago. As a result, ICD-10 will be able to improve your experience with our team at the OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch.
Currently, the United States is the last country in the world with modern healthcare to transition to ICD-10. Not only is the change necessary for modernizing the system, but it is necessary to improve healthcare for patients.
The transition to ICD-10 will improve data collection for patients’ medical conditions and hospital inpatient procedures, will be consistent with current medical practices, and much more. Keep in mind that ICD-10 affects everyone, including patients covered by HIPAA, as well as those who submit Medicare and Medicaid claims.
Contact Us for Any Questions Regarding ICD-10
At the OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, we are doing everything possible to make the smoothest transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10. If you have any questions regarding the transition, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
