Top 5 questions about how Chiropractors are making the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10

On October 1, 2015 Chiropractic offices in the U.S. will begin using the new version of Chiropractic diagnostic codes. These are designated as International Classification of Diseases – Version 10 or ICD-10 Transsexuele for short. Because this change affects billing procedures and ultimately your cash flow, we wanted to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about making the change from ICD-9 to ICD-10. If there are other questions you have about this transition, please give our technical support team a call at 610-820-0440. We are always happy to provide guidance, free of charge check this site out.

When should I start using the new Chiropractic ICD-10 codes?

Begin using the codes for Dates of Service on or after October 1. Remember that this is based upon dates of service and NOT on dates of submission.

Does my AS/PC Complete® software convert the codes from ICD-9 to ICD-10?

Yes!  We translate any ICD-9 code in to the a pick list of all of the possibilities in ICD-10.   For example, 847.0 is a cervical sprain/strain.   This code translates in to 8 or more possible ICD-10 codes.   We make this easy by presenting you with a list of all possibilities and you simply choose one. One click in AS/PC Complete on any ICD-9 code and we tell you which codes that it may translate to.  In the end, it is a clinical decision that the doctor has to make but we make the decision easy!

What is the biggest change in the diagnosis codes?

Chiropractors must now specify whether the treatment was the initial visit or subsequent visits for each diagnostic code chosen. Chiropractors must also make a decision about an ICD-10 code that is considerably more specific that the old ICD-9 code.   AS/PC Complete makes this transition easy, stress free and painless.

When I find the new ICD-10 code, it gives me lots of choices; which one should I pick? Great question! It’s not a simple substitution.  A Chiropractic doctor or assistant will need to be involved in selecting most of the new ICD-10 codes.

What if I’m not submitting claims until AFTER the October 1 deadline – will I need to change all of those past charges to the ICD-10 version?

No, the use of the new ICD-10 coding system applies to dates of service, so if you are submitting your September claims on October 2, the charges should use ICD-9 diagnoses codes.

How can I tell whether an ICD code is in version 9 or version 10? Easy! Virtually all ICD-9 codes started with 3 NUMERALS , then a period, and then 0-2 additional numerals.   However, all ICD-10 codes will begin with a LETTER followed by 2 numerals, then a period (.) and then up to 4 more numerals or letters. Here are some examples:

Is there any change that I need to make in MY DB Practice Management software when I process claims?

No, your AS/PC Complete® Chiropractic a practice management software has SMART DX recognition built-in so that your software knows the difference between the codes. You’ve got more important things to do than to constantly flip a switch from one set of codes to another every time you want to process a claim! And better still, if you happen to accidentally have a mixture of ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes in a patient case, your SMART DX – assistant will alert you so you can correct any errors.

Are all carriers using the new ICD-10 format?

Not all carriers are required to make the change.  Congress has included Medicare, Medicaid and most carriers as “covered entities”, however, some of the personal injury and/or workers comp carriers are NOT required to adopt the new codes.  If you are in doubt, we suggest that you call the individual carrier.

If I have questions about which new ICD-10 codes I should use; whom should I call?

We are not experts in diagnostics and coding.  There are a number of good references including your state professional association, CMS and your carriers. Here a few you can try:

For CMS mandated reporting requirements:  https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding/icd10/providerresources.html

For implementation guidance for Chiropractic: http://www.acatoday.org/

To learn more about the ICD coding system: http://www.who.int/classifications/icd/en/

For an easy to use converter wholesale jerseys for ICD-9/ICD-10:  http://www.icd10data.com/

DB: We’ve got your back! 

DB Consultants believes that Chiropractic offices run best when they use streamlined and easy-to-use practice management software. Modern, well-designed software helps them to better serve their patients and grow their bottom line.

The team at DBC has been working to make the transition to ICD-10 as easy as possible for their Chiropractic clients. They are available to help other Chiropractic offices run more efficiently, and can be reached at 610-820-0440, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. They are Winter also available by email at asktech@dbconsultants.com.