Doc You Meant this but documented that!

 

 

 

 

Why is it so important that doctors learn ICD-10?  There are many reasons physicians should be versed in ICD-10, but the main reason is specificity. Plus the level of specificity that exist in ICD-10 does not exist in ICD-9.

 

Some  of the differences that exist in the higher level of specificity is detailed involving disease, actual causes of accidents or illness and different stages of healing, laterality, etc. 

 

So what happens if the  physician does not want to learn, continue to document in the same manner and leave it up to the coding staff to interpret your documentation. This is a recipe for disaster!!!

1.      The coder will need more information to correctly code the claim, therefore medical records will back up in your office waiting on the proper documentation.

2.      This will slow down productivity

3.      Incorrect documentation will have negative effects on patient care.

4.      If payers request documentation in a claims audit and it is incorrect it will cause decrease in reimbursement or possibly no reimbursement at all.

5.      When the claims/billing process gets delayed time will be loss as well as reimbursement. As it is now the is not “enough time” in the day of a busy medical practice.