2014 Medical Billing

How ICD-10 codes will affect Medical Imaging Specialists

Written by Ronny Bachrach on January 8, 2014. Posted in Digital Radiography and PACS

2014 Medical Billing

Even with 2014 only a month old, Medical imaging specialists are already feeling the heat of ICD-10 implementation. The Oct. 1 deadline doesn’t seem as far as away as it did in 2013, but it looms heavy now that the New Year is underway.

The new code set, ICD-10, will bring about significant changes in how imaging specialists capture charges and code documentation for physicians. In order to be adequately prepared for implementation, radiologists should understand how ICD-10 will affect their workflow.

What ICD-10 brings
The biggest and most impactful aspect of ICD-10 will be the expansion of codes. The ICD-9 system had around 14,000 codes associated with its diagnostics. ICD-10 will be increasing the number into the neighborhood of 70,000, requiring physicians and other providers to be more specific with their documentation. In addition, the coding processes will be different and will affect the systems for radiologists. The three-to-five digit codes of ICD-9 will be replaced by codes that can be as long as seven digits. Because of this, medical imaging systems will have to be updated or upgraded to accept the longer code sets. Also, there is the possibility that radiologists may not receive enough documentation from physicians to properly enter codes, which could interfere with reimbursements for imaging services.

However, in terms of actual coding, not much will change for radiology. The only requirement will be documenting each patient visit with more detail, especially when it comes to injuries or fractures.

Payment cuts
As part of the final rule on ICD-10, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services required cuts to mammography and other breast imaging codes. According to analysis from the American College of Radiology, radiologists should expect bundling to cause a 30 to 50 percent reduction for these codes. 

There will also be a decrease in payment for CT and MRI procedures, specifically involving the head, brain and spine. Similar to the breast biopsy coding, the ACR believes the average reduction of these codes will be between 30 and 40 percent.

How to prepare
Depending on the services provided by a radiological practice, preparation may differ from office to office. However, the Radiology Business Management Association has created an ICD-10 Tool Kit to assist imaging specialists with the new system. Each package includes presentations and examples of exams that radiologists will perform with the new codes in place.

CMS has also provided a code conversion tool that can help radiologists assess the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10. Researching common codes from the old system can help prepare specialists for implementation in October.

Ronny Bachrach

Ronny Bachrach

Marketing Director at Viztek LLC
Responsible for all marketing activities including, press, advertising, trade show coordination, website management, dealer and customer communications.
Ronny Bachrach
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