The October 1, 2013 ICD-10 implementation date is final now and there will be no delays on this implementation period and no grace period
. The deadline will be in effect for both inpatient and outpatient services. Remember that the ICD-10 implementation will have no impact on CPT and HCPCS coding. You will continue to bill your CPT and HCPCS procedure codes like before.
ICD-10 will bring nearly 55,000 additional codes. Presently CMS publishes about 14,000 ICD-9 codes; however there are over 69,000 ICD 10 codes. The added codes will allow you to provide greater detail in describing diagnoses and procedures.
If you are wondering which specific codes ICD-10 includes for your specialty, you can check out the entire 2010 ICD10 codes.
That apart, you can review general equivalence mappings (GEMs) if you would like to get information on ways to convert data from ICD-9 to ICD-10 or vice versa. These GEMs can be helpful if you are converting lists, systems or applications from one system to another.
Some people call these crosswalks, while others call them mapping. But they are basically forward and backward mapping between the coding systems.
If you want to get more information on how to convert data from ICD-9 to ICD-10, sign up for a one-stop Medical Coding website. Such a site comes with an ICD-10 Bridge that will help you make a smooth transition from ICD-9 to ICD 10 codes. The ICD-10 Bridge lets you quickly view results for every ICD-9-CM code and its corresponding ICD-10 options. So go for one and make your transition an easy affair.