We hear about physician engagement across and throughout all healthcare settings almost daily. This is not new, but when it comes to ICD-10-CM/PCS preparation, facilities and practices need engaged physicians.
Most HIM directors have October 2013 looming in their minds as the ICD-10 implementation deadline. But according to many experts, coders should be coding in both ICD-9 and ICD-10 well in advance of that date.
ICD-10 will bring many changes, particularly when it comes to fracture coding. But practice will help reinforce ICD-10 education on the subject, and Lolita M. Jones, RHIA, CCS, sole principal of Lolita M. Jones Consulting Services in Fort Washington, MD, provides a sample op report for just that purpose.
On October 1, 2013, the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCSclassification systems will take effect, and should result in better data capture nationwide. The change means healthcare organizations urgently need to educate providers on the importance of improved patient care documentation.
