Amidst concerns regarding overspending and wasted costs, the healthcare industry has been transitioning from value- to volume-based care. The hope is that it will generate more effective methods of administering treatments and performing diagnostic exams, such as medical imaging.
Many providers have been working with their electronic health records systems to prepare for the eventual implementation of the updated ICD-10 coding system. Originally slotted to debut this month, the new diagnostic codes will now be rolled out in 2015 after a federal bill was approved by Congress that effectively delayed implementation. However, the unexpected extension should not dissuade health systems and practices from moving forward with training exercises.
According to the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange, it is critical for radiologists and other clinicians to navigate the current regulatory environment that is affecting health care. WEDI President and CEO Devin Jopp explained that the industry as a whole needs to stay on track with ICD-10 to bring all stakeholders together and meet the compliance deadline on Oct. 1, 2015. There is also immense pressure on the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to stand strong on their newly mandated start date for ICD-10 and avoid another possible push back into 2016, EHR Intelligence explained.
Therefore, it is essential that practices continue to work on ICD-10 readiness to be prepared for next year. While CMS could potentially delay implementation, it is better that facilities be ready rather than scramble at the last minute to prepare.
Managing the transition to value-based care
According to Healthcare Finance News, the key to shifting from volume to value lies in proactiveness. Hospitals and health systems have begun forming accountable care organizations, a sign that transitions are already in effect at some level in health care. However, the shift is made more complex by the need to determine how to pay physicians and charge patients for rendered services.
This is especially true in medical imaging, as radiologists are being held more accountable for their decisions than ever before. Appropriateness criteria, some of which are provided by organizations like the American College of Radiology, help guide clinicians on ordering exams and protect patients from the potential harms of radiation exposure. As health care focuses on valued care that improves patient outcomes and favors quality over quantity, cutting down on diagnostic radiology expenses will become a target for many practice administrators.
Contact Viztek for more information.
Ronny Bachrach
Latest posts by Ronny Bachrach (see all)
- Konica Minolta Debuts First-of-Its-Kind Digital U-Arm System at AHRA - July 27, 2016
- Researchers Detect Signs Of Stroke Risk Using MRI - June 27, 2016
- Imaging Biz: Q&A with David S. Channin MD: How to Make PACS Patient Centered - June 22, 2016
0
0
0
