Guest Column
ICD-10: The Metric System's Evil Twin
Joseph J. Gurrieri, RHIA, CHP, Joseph J. Gurrieri, RHIA, CHP, H.I.M. On Call
Since 1866, the US has been the only industrialized country in the world to not use the metric system. Fast forward to the present, and it is becoming the only industrialized country loathe to use the updated ICD-10 system. Why? According to recent AMA reports of possible postponement, physicians do not understand the intended benefits and future value to them or to their patients.
The pushback from physicians is understandable because ICD-10 undoubtedly creates more time and more documentation. However, ICD-10 will finally allow for an overall of the National Coverage Determination and Local Coverage Determination. This may result in the refinement and expansion of allowable codes to justify medical necessity. For example, many physicians still use an ICD-9 "cheat sheet," but many of the codes are non-specific and may not even warrant medical necessity. Under ICD-10, more defined codes will allow for more descript reporting of the patient's condition, and should assist in decreasing denials due to lack of medical necessity.
The content you requested is only available to registered users of Healthcare Technology Online. By registering now, you'll get exclusive access to this piece of content and thousands of addtional articles and product reviews across our entire network of sites.
