The release of 5010 HIPAA standard transactions will incorporate the new ICD-10 billing codes for procedures and diagnosis so that any concerns you may have will be alleviated because the work will be done for you. Having said that, the coding changes are significant. According to ASCO.org “There are a total of 197,769 codes in ICD-10-PCS, a substantial increase in the number of codes relative to ICD-9-CM procedure codes, which total 4,000 codes. The number of codes from ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes, totaling 13,000, has also increased substantially with the creation of ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, which total 120,000. Overall, several major changes have taken place between each ICD-CM classification structure. The biggest change has occurred from the ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM. The whole system has been completely revamped to be able to meet current coding needs.”

The new code includes a lot of detailed information that you should be aware of as you move through the billing process – accurately coding will allow for timely reimbursement. Those who perform the billing tasks for practices would be better off becoming familiar with anatomy and physiology. When coding you will be more efficient at understanding the doctor’s notes on the patient and better able to code to the highest level of specificity. Physicians document for patient health, not for coding purposes, but with the government requiring more information the better the coding, the better the reimbursement.