The implementation date for the new code remains uncertain at this time.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Skurka, who is stepping down after 40 years of voluntary services to AHIMA and the World Health Organization, will make her public farewell appearance on Talk Ten Tuesdays today.
I’m sure a question on all your minds is this: when will we start coding with ICD-11 in the U.S.?
I have no idea, nor does anyone, really, in the U.S., to the best of my knowledge. Much must happen before that decision is made. As an active, current member of the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS) in the U.S., I can report that it remains firmly on our agenda. We are an advisory committee that can make recommendations and observations, set goals and establish vision, and provide guidance and framework regarding implementation work – but we do not make policy decisions, or anything of the sort.
NCVHS did send an important follow-up letter to the first letter sent about ICD-11 in 2019. Our newest letter was issued in September of this year. We again made two recommendations:
How long will this research and evaluation period last? I do not think any of us know. Last time it took us 25 years after it was endorsed by the WHO. No decisions have been made by either the U.S. or our colleagues in Canada and Australia whether various editions will be developed. Both Canada and Australia are saying “no” at this point, to the best of my knowledge, and I am in contact with my counterparts there regularly.
NCVHS recommended in its latest letter that the research be completed in 12 months. There have been only three studies, I believe, in the U.S. to date that directly compare ICD-11 with ICD-10-CM. NCVHS did develop an updated set of recommended research questions, and they were attached to the aforementioned letter sent. We also recommended that HHS execute a strategic communication plan as soon as possible, running parallel with the recommended research work over the next 12 months.
We believe that taking a proactive approach to ICD-11 is essential. This includes all the research and communications recommendations included in the most recent letter. The U.S. needs to identify a path forward that supports national healthcare priorities, optimizes benefits, and minimizes cost. Doesn’t that sound great! WHO continues to say that ICD-11 is so comprehensive that there will be no ICD-12. I hope that is true! I want to highlight an excellent publication that the International Federation of Health Information Management Associations (IFHIMA) released on Feb. 10 of this year, titled IFHIMA Fosters Planning for ICD-11 Adoption with Global Case Studies. It is available, free, of course, online at http://ifhima.org/whitepapers. Enjoy the read.
I have enjoyed all my 16 years as the IFHIMA rep to the WHO, and the sponsorship from AHIMA, but it is time for new blood. I’m proud to say that Mary Stanfill, RHIA, a well-known HIM professional in the U.S., replaced me a few weeks ago, after the WHO-FIC annual meeting. She will offer strong leadership for the IFHIMA and also can provide input regarding HIM activities in the U.S. Welcome, Mary, and thank you AHIMA for your sponsorship of me all these years at the international level.
The very best to all who are reading today. Thank you.
Programming Note: Listen to Margaret Skurka’s live farewell address today on Talk Ten Tuesday, 10 Eastern.
As the globe prepares to commemorate World Health Day, a renowned expert in health information management, Lorraine Fernandes, is set to deliver valuable insights on
Today, we’re venturing into a future where the worlds of ICD-10 coding and health informatics converge and transform in ways we are only beginning to
Please log in to your account to comment on this article.
Join Beth Wolf, MD, CPC, CCDS, for an in-depth webcast on the FY2025 spinal fusion MS-DRG updates. Discover key changes in DRG classification, understand impacts on documentation and CMI, and learn strategies to ensure compliance.
Join Angela Comfort, DBA, MBA, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P, as she presents effective strategies to strengthen collaboration between CDI, coding, and quality departments in acute care hospitals. Angela will also share guidance on implementing cross-departmental meetings, using shared KPIs, and engaging leadership to foster a culture of collaboration. Attendees will gain actionable tools to optimize documentation accuracy, elevate quality metrics, and drive a unified approach to healthcare goals, ultimately enhancing both patient outcomes and organizational performance.
Optimize your outpatient clinical documentation and gain comprehensive knowledge from foundational practices to advanced technologies, ensuring improved patient care and organizational and financial success. This webcast bundle provides a holistic approach to outpatient CDI, empowering you to implement best practices from the ground up and leverage advanced strategies for superior results. You will gain actionable insights to improve documentation quality, patient care, compliance, and financial outcomes.
Enhancing outpatient clinical documentation is crucial for maintaining accuracy, compliance, and proper reimbursement in today’s complex healthcare environment. This webcast, presented by industry expert Angela Comfort, DBA, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P, will provide you with actionable strategies to tackle complex challenges in outpatient documentation. You’ll learn how to craft detailed clinical narratives, utilize advanced EHR features, and implement accurate risk adjustment and HCC coding. The session also covers essential regulatory updates to keep your documentation practices compliant. Join us to gain the tools you need to improve documentation quality, support better patient care, and ensure financial integrity.
Dr. Ronald Hirsch provides critical details on the new Medicare Appeal Process for Status Changes for patients whose status changes during their hospital stay. He also delves into other scenarios of hospital patients receiving custodial care or medically unnecessary services where patient notifications may be needed along with the processes necessary to ensure compliance with state and federal guidance.
Healthcare organizations face complex regulatory requirements under the No Surprises Act and Price Transparency rules. These policies mandate extensive fee disclosures across settings, and confusion is widespread—many hospitals remain unaware they must post every contracted rate. Non-compliance could lead to costly penalties, financial loss, and legal risks. Join David M. Glaser Esq. as he shows you how to navigate these regulations effectively.
Protect your facility from unwanted audits! Join Becky Jacobsen, BSN, RN, MBS, CCS-P, CPC, CPEDC, CBCS, CEMC, and take a deep dive into both the CMS and AMA guidelines for reporting post operative pain blocks. You’ll learn how to determine if the nerve block is separately codable with real life examples for better understanding. Becky will also cover how to evaluate whether documentation supports medical necessity, offer recommendations for stronger documentation practices, and provide guidance on educating providers about documentation requirements. She’ll include a discussion of appropriate modifier and diagnosis coding assignment so that you can be confident that your billing of post operative pain blocks is fully supported and compliant.
During this RACmonitor webcast Dr. Ronald Hirsch spotlights the areas of the OIG’s Work Plan and the findings of their most recent audits that impact utilization review, case management, and audit staff. He also provides his common-sense interpretation of the prevailing regulations related to those target issues. You’ll walk away better equipped with strategies to put in place immediately to reduce your risk of paybacks, increased scrutiny, and criminal penalties.
Copyright © 2024 ICD10monitor. Powered by MedLearn Media.
Prepare for the 2025 CMS IPPS Final Rule with ICD10monitor’s IPPSPalooza! Click HERE to learn more
Get 15% OFF on all educational webcasts at ICD10monitor with code JULYFOURTH24 until July 4, 2024—start learning today!
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24
