All covered entities under HIPAA, including physicians who submit certain transactions electronically, are required to upgrade from ANSI X12N version 4010 to version 5010 by Jan. 1, 2012. In addition, health care providers will be required to transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 codes by Oct. 1, 2013.
Any big change comes with many questions. Members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) have access to a variety of online resources and staff support to help them with the upcoming transitions to version 5010 and ICD-10.
As the Jan. 1, 2012, version 5010 implementation date is quickly approaching, PAMED has been receiving calls from physicians with many questions, such as how to report anesthesia services in 5010, including the nine-digit zip code when submitting claims, and more.
Members can find the answers to these questions and more in our frequently asked version 5010 questions. Additional resources, including information on version 5010 testing and a link to Highmark Medicare Services’ online portal, also can be found on PAMED’s website.
While the Oct. 1, 2013, implementation deadline for ICD-10 may still seem a long way off, preparing now will help give your practice a strategic advantage and mean less stress later and a smoother transition in 2012 and 2013.
PAMED offers several free resources to its members on the transition to ICD-10, including an upcoming webinar where members will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from a payer about its preparations plus tips on avoiding delays and claims denials.
Members with additional questions should contact PAMED’s division of practice economics and payer relations at (800) 228-7823, ext. 2644.