ICD-10 News: How to Start Testing

While ICD-10 is almost here, you still have time to get ready. But you must get ready now. Each day this week we are highlighting 1 of the 5 recommendations to help you begin testing:
1) Why Test Now, 2) How to Get Started, 3) Testing with Trading Partners, 4) Types of Testing, and 5) Testing Tips.

Today our focus is:
How To Get Started

• Verify that you can use your ICD-10-ready systems to:
  • Generate a claim
  • Schedule an outpatient procedure
  • Perform eligibility and benefits verification
  • Prepare to submit quality data
  • Schedule an office visit
  • Update a patient’s history and problems
  • Code a patient encounter
• To get started, map out your workflows to help you decide what to test. Test any system that stores, processes, sends, receives, or reports diagnosis code information.
• Test your systems and workflow processes using ICD-10 diagnosis codes. You can test:
  • Inside your practice
  • With vendors, clearinghouses, billing services, and health plans
• Focus on your highest-risk scenarios. For example, claims processing and the diagnoses you see most often.

Tips 

• Involve financial and administrative staff
• Allow time to address any issues you uncover
• If you are participating in Medicare Fee-for-Service end-to-end testing this week, you can find additional information in these resources:
  • MLN Matters SE1435 – End-to-End Testing FAQs
  • MLN Matters SE1501 – Acknowledgement Testing and End-to-End Testing FAQs

To learn more about getting ready, visit cms.gov/ICD10 for free resources including the Road to 10 tool designed especially for small and rural practices, but useful for all health care professionals.

Keep Up to Date on ICD-10
Visit the CMS ICD-10 website and Roadto10.org for the latest news and resources to help you prepare. Sign up for and CMS ICD-10 Industry Email Updates and follow us on Twitter.