HCPro: Prepare for ICD-10 documentation challenges

Coders have a variety of valid concerns as the October 1, 2014 ICD-10 implementation date nears, but according to a recent JustCoding.com poll, they’re overwhelmingly concerned about ICD-10’s impact on physician documentation. A recent HCPro article featured interview responses from one of AAPC’s directors of ICD-10 development and training, Betty Hovey, CPC, CPC-H, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CPCD. Ms. Hovey discussed the disconnect between the clinical perspective and coding terminology, and what preparations should be made now to avoid problems down the road with ICD-10.

“If you’re a seasoned coder, there’s too much there to memorize and coders need to remember it’s like being a new coder again,” Ms. Hovey says, “Chapters have been moved and you’re going to have to go through all the steps, like going to the Alphabetic Index, seeing if there are more appropriate codes, or reviewing chapter-specific instructions.”

Read the full article.