The past week has been a turbulent one with ICD-10. Whether you saw it coming or it’s a surprise, I would like to offer our guidance with the delay. We are here to support you in whatever form that takes.

Several of our physicians have offered thoughts for you to consider. I would also like to offer you a free consulting session with one of our experts to talk to your implementation task force. Just let me know and we will make it happen.

This delay provides a window of opportunity to finalize end-to-end testing, improve clinical documentation and thoroughly train staff members and test their readiness.

When and Not If – Avoid the Panic

Industry leaders strongly believe ICD-10 adoption remains a question of, “when” not “if.” Most experts are encouraging providers and payers to proceed with their existing plans and preparations. The delay offers the industry the time it needs to catch up, particularly around the issue of end-to-end testing, which was the weakest link in industry readiness.

This delay also provides a window of opportunity to work out all front end activities, train staff members and test their readiness, it is in fact a silver lining. However, losing momentum places all industry players in exactly the position they were in two weeks ago – a year will pass us by and the same panic will ensue all over again.

Clinical Documentation Optimization

Clinical documentation is not just an ICD-10 issue. While precise documentation was the most pressing concern when surveying ICD-10 project leaders…longstanding fundamental challenges around clinical documentation should be addressed today.

Under ICD-9, not only will you see a significant and immediate return on investment and audit protection, but you will also be preparing for ICD-10 when it is implemented.

The delay in ICD-10, provides the opportunity to help physicians review and optimize their documentation tools, including electronic records as well as dictation or written history and physicals.

The delay also helps provide higher quality patient care, a time savings by reducing the number of queries received by physicians today and an increase in revenue by ensuring physicians and hospitals receive credit for the patient care they’re providing. These steps will streamline our eventual transition to ICD-10.