Tip: CMS releases more ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation guidance

With little more than 40 days to go until ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation date, there’s no shortage of last minute assistance and advice being aired. Perhaps, however, the best ICD-10 education can be found completely free.

If you haven’t already done so, download the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting from either CMS or the CDC. You can also download the actual codes and indexes, and the ICD-10-PCS Reference Manual.

On August 27, CMS hosts its MLN Connects Call featuring CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt, Sue Bowman from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and Nelly Leon-Chisen from the American Hospital Association (AHA) who will each offer coding guidance, tips, and updates from CMS.

Following the deal that CMS struck with the American Medical Association regarding ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation, the agency also released several guidance documents regarding the use of unspecified codes after the go-live date including:

• MLN Matters® Article SE1518, “Information and Resources for Submitting Correct ICD-10 Codes to Medicare”
• ICD-10 Basics MLN Connects National Provider Call
• More ICD-10 Coding Basics MLN Connects Call
• ICD-10 Coding Basics MLN Connects Video
• Coding for ICD-10-CM: More of the Basics MLN Connects Video

CMS also launched an ICD-10 Clinical Concepts Series for Specialties to help physicians and other providers get up to speed for family practice, internal medicine, cardiology, OB/GYN, orthopedics, and even pediatrics. Each guide compiles key information from the Road to 10 online toolin a PDF format that can be readily shared, emailed, posted to websites, and printed. The guides include common ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation tips, clinical scenarios, and links to interactive cases studies, in-depth webinars, and other Road to 10 features.

Visit the ICD-10 Medicare Fee-For-Service Provider Resources web page for a complete list of Medicare Learning Network educational materials.