FL

Document ID: CMS-2012-0117-0004
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services
Received Date: August 23 2012, at 12:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Date Posted: December 4 2012, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: August 16 2012, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: October 9 2012, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 810ebf0c
View Document:

This is comment on Notice

ICD–10 Industry Readiness Assessment (CMS-10381)

View Comment

I am a certified coder and have been preparing for ICD-10 coding changes for the past 18 months. I am also an educator/instructor. Please keep in mind that dual training of both ICD-9 and ICD-10 is costly and since coders need the information of most concern, the concentration will continue to be on ICD-9, not ICD-10. My personal concern is the change of a deadline only delays the inevitable, which makes it harder to retain the reviewed ICD-10 coding changes. I compare the proposed change of the ICD-10 compliance date to a parent who continuously threatens, but doesn't follow through. CMS said there would be "no delays". They should adhere to that premise. Information from a random survey of anesthesia coders showed approximately 37% were already training for the changes. When a deadline is given, it is the responsibility of the coders and physician practices to be prepared by the deadline.