CMS Announces Revised and Relaxed Rules for the ICD-10 Implementation

While far from perfect, the attached announcement from CMS makes it clear that imperfection will not lead to complete claims denial.

Practices need to still move forward with implementation and training, and we suggest that all haste be continued, but the CMS announcement indicates that errors of a mild nature won�t create mass rejection of claims.  Practices still need to make sure a proper ICD-10 code is used (even if it turns out it in not the PERFECT code for the diagnosis), but the detail may be off a little and not cause mass denials.  We think it�s a wait and see, as the intermediaries are just getting this information now, as well as the public, but it�s better than nothing.  Plan.  Be Prepared.  Be ready for cash flow disruptions which may still occur.  That�s what the message is today.