Everywhere in the health and administrative sector there is a wind of change blowing through. The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 is being awaited with bated breaths. Not just for the Medical practitioners, but other related service sectors are also crying out for a quick implementation of ICD-10 so that they can meet up with the multiple government mandates, priorities and staffing shortages.
ICD-10 is said to bring about a revolution in the health-care delivery system. As of now it has been on an unknown hiatus and has been delayed for a variety of reasons. The delay is approved of by some while for others, this delay is wreaking havoc.
However, as the things stand, there are several reasons as to why there can not/ should not be further delay in the implementation process of ICD-10. Here are the top 5 reasons that would support my claims.
1. Positive Implementational benefits for the Patients
The new set of changes indicate that service provider companies are liable to provide more in-depth report as to the patient’s clinical status. More information would mean more grounds for improvement for service technology algorithms, and even better medical care for patients.
2. Boost in payment structures for providers in the long run
ICD-9 had various issues pertaining to lack of in-depth details, medical history and other billing details, which led to a lot of record and billing inefficiencies.
With the ICD10, these issues are taken care of. With more data in the hand of the billers, they would be less prone to make administrative errors and thereby improve their practice as well as business in the overhaul.
3. Organizational Performance Monitoring
ICD-10 comes equipped with a variety of analytical capabilities that will enhance the practices. Monitoring is a great way of having real time information regarding the team functions and obstacles that may come along the way. Also, there would be several
Abilities to identify and resolve problems as well as bifurcate the payment options based on mere performance.
4. Increased R&D and Public Health tracking options
Improvement in the accuracy of data on which various implementations are going to be made pertaining to quality standards, patient safety goals, and mandates and compliance is a big step ahead.
Problems with ICD-9 in the HIE support initiatives will be resolved with ICD-10 roll-out.
5. Too Many Delays
Last but not the least major reason that indicates that the implementation time is now, is the fact that it has been delayed before. That too, more than once. The AMA had allowed the initial delay in the implementation process but it had been pushed upto 2 years further to compensate for all the extensive work being done behind finalizing and fine tuning the guidelines and its execution methods.
ICD 10 is like the Windows 7 OS for the health care administration. It is a much needed upgrade that is going to better the practice and medical methodologies that are in use in the modern times. ICD 10 is simply a much needed upgrade that has been put on the shelves for far too long now. It is time to roll it out and embrace the change.
