ICD codes are used around the world to identify the disease or medical condition of a person undergoing treatment
. The ICD-9 code structure went out because of the limitation of the five digit numeric construction. The ICD-10 codes allow for a more comprehensive description of the diagnosis. The new code structure has room to accommodate new inpatient procedures of care that are already performed. The new codes will allow for better analysis of disease patterns and treatment outcomes and it's being said that they will streamline claims submission.
The ICD 10 code sets will bring with it almost 55,000 additional codes. Right now CMS publishes about 14,000 ICD-9 codes; however, there are well over 69,000 ICD-10 codes.
In three years time, you will have to use a letter with all your diagnoses codes. You will also have expanded documentation for numerous conditions and submit claims on a new form. If you are apprehensive of making the transition, sign up for a one-stop medical coding website.
When you sign up for one, you will have access to an ICD-10 Bridge. The bridge will let you view results quickly for every ICD-9-CM code and its equivalent ICD-10 options. Within a short span of time you will have a feel for education sessions, charge tickets changes and documentation additions. An ICD-10 bridge won't help you leap over this diagnosis tower; however you will feel you have conquered the battle without the struggles you expected.
So go for one and see how easy it is to make the transition.