CMS Delays ICD-10 Requirements
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule on Monday that would delay the mandatory adoption of new billing codes, known as ICD-10. The agency originally intended to require providers to start using these codes by Oct. 1, 2013, but many providers and provider associations complained that this was not enough time for a complete overhaul of current billing systems. The proposed rule calls for delaying implementation for one year. ICD-10 is thought to be more accurate, in part, because it increases the number of diagnostic codes that must be entered when billing for services. CMS contends that this accuracy will translate into more appropriate payments for providers and savings to the Medicare program. For more information on this delay and the proposed rule, click here or here.