Posts Tagged HIPAA
Understand the new CPT resequencing initiative
Posted by Ken Bradley in Coding on December 9th, 2009
Be aware that there’s a new icon next to some codes in the 2010 CPT manual. It’s the hash-mark symbol “#,” and it’s being used to designate code numbers that are out of numeric order – a completely new concept for the CPT code book.
It appears the American Medical Association (AMA) is unveiling a new strategy to help provide much-needed room for expansion. The association is calling it the CPT “resequencing initiative,” and explains it this way:
“Resequencing of CPT codes allows placement of related codes to an appropriate location regardless of the availability of code numbers for numerical placement. This initiative also allows the CPT code set to expand and grow as a HIPAA designated code set and demonstrates the capacity to respond to today’s health information technology (HIT) requirements.” Read the rest of this entry »
Collaborative partnerships vital for smooth conversion of HIPAA standards
Posted by Ken Bradley in ICD-10 on October 26th, 2009
A seamless transition. That’s the goal we all seek in the colossal dual conversion of our HIPAA 4010 X12 files to the new 5010 standard, and the ICD-9 to ICD-10 code sets. Somehow, with a tight timeline and crunched budgets, we must simultaneously pull off two technically challenging migrations – and do it all with minimal disruption to business operations. The task, at times, feels overwhelming.
As you research your options, however, I’d suggest that one important place to begin is with a candid assessment of your organizational partnerships. The Herculean effort needed to successfully transition these two critical data sets at the same time will require close collaboration with trustworthy and responsive partners, each working within a well-defined area of expertise.
Consider the ways you can leverage current business relationships to accomplish the task at hand. Obviously, you best understand your business processes. HIT vendors, by contrast, may be better suited to navigate the technological waters. We don’t each need to reinvent the wheel; we need to work together.
The changeover to the HIPAA 5010 electronic transaction standard must be completed by January 2012. The move to the ICD-10 code set must be accomplished by October 2013. With precious little room for waste – of time or resources – practices must augment their internal strengths with the strengths outside vendors can provide. Read the rest of this entry »