How hospitals can prepare for next phase of ICD-10 transition

Jul 12 2011

As Phase 1 of ICD-10 transition comes to a close, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is helping hospitals complete the next stage with its Top 10 list of Phase 2 implementation.

While all of the 10 steps must be done in Phase 2 of ICD-10 conversion, they may need to be conducted simultaneously rather than consecutively, notes the AHIMA in its white paper [1].

In Phase 2, hospitals should continue to assess impact and initiate resolutions to ICD-10 conversion. This involves implementing, testing, and validating systems changes, according to the white paper. It also involves developing and modifying policies, procedures, and processes for the new coding systems, as well as assessing how these changes affect the hospital's workflow.

Another key step toward ICD-10 conversion is implementing a training and education plan that will continue to teach coding staff about the new code sets and guidelines.

The AHIMA white paper also reminds hospitals to update and reassess their ICD-10 conversion projects. For example, review and update internal timelines, adjust staffing to better complete conversion-related tasks, and review and adjust the budget, as needed.

Some of the other steps hospitals need for a successful ICD-10 conversion include the following tips:

• Monitor business associate readiness, including payers, providers, system vendors, and electronic data interchange trading partners
• Review the potential reimbursement impact during transition
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize transition problems and maximize opportunities for successful transition
• Expand the ICD-10 communication plan

AHIMA notes that it is important for hospitals to work on ICD-10 transition and 5010 implementation simultaneously. Doing so will allow hospitals to have the appropriate time and resources to complete all four phases of ICD-10 conversion by the Oct. 1, 2013 deadline.