We all know that ICD 10 deadline is a reality and will be implemented on October 1, 2014. KIP is ready – are you?

 What do I need to know about ICD 10 codes?

ICD 10 codes are very similar to ICD 9 codes, however, they are much more specific. Extra digits are added at the end of the codes which can indicate details such as Right or Left, or Initial Visit or Subsequent Visit.

Here at KIP, we want to make the transition to ICD 10 coding much easier and reduce your chances of denied or delayed payments.

What happens if I enter an ICD 9 Code into a claim after the ICD 10 Deadline?

In most cases, expect your claim to be rejected.

Unfortunately, there will be many delays in reimbursement and no one truly knows just how bad it will actually be until the ICD 10 deadline actually arrives. You may want to keep emergency cash available in case reimbursements are significantly delayed.

What is a cross-walk?

You may have heard about cross-walks. This is a computer term for translating older formats into newer formats – or, in our case, translating an ICD 9 code into an ICD 10 code.

You will hear a lot about cross-walks in the next coming months – but all these cross-walks will be manual. You will enter the ICD 9 code into a list and look at the possible ICD 10 codes that match.

Why can’t cross-walks be automated – or can they?

You are probably using cross-walks in KIP that you may not even realize. For example, when a CPT code gets phased out, and you put in a “Bill As” code – every time you bill the old code, the new code is used automatically – completely avoiding errors.

KIP will help you by inserting ICD 10 codes every time you put in an ICD 9 code.

How can KIP convert ICD 9 codes when there are so many more ICD 10 Codes?

The great thing about computers is that we can automate all those things that annoy us and drive us crazy.

KIP will watch how you have been entering claims and will do much of the hard work for you. If it turns out that there are two possible choices – KIP will ask you in a way that makes total sense.

Here at KIP, we have been making medical billing and running a medical office easy for over 20 years.

We know the insides and out of medical billing, and will make sure that KIP helps you in the easiest way possible.

How many ICD 10 codes can be put on a claim?

Once the ICD 10 deadline kicks in, you will be able to put as many as 12 diagnosis codes on a claim. Even though each claim will be able to have up to twelve ICD codes, you still can only put up to four diagnosis pointers on a line.

Here at KIP, we intend to watch closely at the implementation of the ICD 10 coding – so expect a lot of closely released updates once the ICD 10 deadline arrives.

How do I know if my version of KIP is ICD 10 ready?

Go to File > Preferences > Electronic Claim & Email Preferences. If you see ANSI 5010 format as an option, then your KIP version is ready for the ICD 10 deadline.

If you are not using the ICD 10 ready version, make sure you contact us quickly so that you have time to get used to the new coding system.