Latest Update 2/20/2012
Wellmark’s ICD-10 Implementation To Continue
Wellmark is continuing to move forward with its ICD-10 implementation even though Health & Human Services (HHS) announced on Feb. 16 that it intends to delay the ICD-10 compliance date. In the HHS news release, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that HHS will "initiate a process to postpone the compliance date by which certain health entities have to comply with ICD-10." Wellmark will continue our implementation efforts until the following three questions can be answered:
- How long will it take for HHS to initiate the process of a delay and provide clarity?
- If ICD-10 is delayed, what is the new implementation date?
- What is the definition of certain health entities?
When we have answers to these questions, Wellmark will re-evaluate our ICD-10 efforts and provide direction. Until then, we will continue to move forward with our current projects and timelines.
Read the official press release from HHS
General Information on ICD-10
International Classification of Disease (ICD) is a standard set of diagnosis and procedure codes used to:
- Identify symptoms, conditions, problems, complaints or other reasons for medical services or procedures being provided.
- Translate written information in a patient's chart into a form that can be submitted electronically for reimbursement.
- Identify provided procedures and services.
- Establish current world mortality code for death records.
The federal government mandated implementation of the new ICD-10 code set for services provided on and after October 1, 2013. The new code set provides more detail in diagnosis and hospital procedure codes used by doctors, hospitals, and insurers.
Benefits of ICD-10
The new ICD-10 system will more accurately reflect technology and medical treatment, improving your ability to:
- Measure health care outcomes.
- Enhance clinical decision-making.
- Track public health issues.
- Conduct medical research.
- Identify fraud and abuse.
- Appropriately pay for services provided.
Wellmark’s Plans for ICD-10 Regulatory Conversion
In 2011, Wellmark assessed its systems, business processes, policies, and communication needs associated with the impacts of the ICD-10 conversion. In 2012 and 2013, Wellmark will update all systems and processes to use ICD-10 codes to meet the compliance timeframes.
Wellmark’s plan is being integrated with key business partners, including vendors and clearinghouses. Periodic updates will be shared with the provider community and other stakeholders. Targeted provider testing is projected to begin in the early third quarter of 2013.
ICD-10 Frequently Asked Questions
A question and answer document has been developed for providers to share Wellmark’s plans and progress to ICD-10. Wellmark will add information to this document regularly, so check here often.
ICD-10 FAQ
ICD-10 Education and Training
Any business process or technology that stores, processes, or utilizes medical/diagnosis/procedure codes is affected on some level. Learn more about ICD-10 using these CMS online sources:
Additional ICD-10 Resources
Look for additional resources on the following sites:
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