Subject: New Healthcare Coding System: 138,000 More Codes New Healthcare Coding System: 138,000 More Codes Just when you thought the U.S. healthcare system couldnt get more complicated, here comes a new healthcare coding system that borders on the absurd. On Oct. 1, 2014, the United States will begin implementing ICD-10, a system for classifying injuries. Its the 10th version of the International Classification of Diseases promulgated by the World Health Organization, according to The Weekly Standard. The codes are used to record diagnoses and services provided, and insurance companies use them for reimbursement, although only 10 other countries use them to determine reimbursement. The system will affect the work of providers and payers, doctors, researchers, hospitals and clinics, the government, and the private sector. As a result of ICD-10, the number of codes in the system will soar from 17,000 to 155,000. A rib-tickling article by Stephen F. Hayes, a senior writer at the Standard, pointed to several of the highly unlikely fatal and nonfatal injuries represented by the codes, including: Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a (discarded) refrigerator; Suicide by jellyfish — toxic effect of contact with jellyfish, intentional self-harm; Forced landing of a spacecraft, injuring occupant; Sucked into the engine of an airplane; Attack from another with frog venom; Crushed between fishing boat and other watercraft or other object due to collision; Death from jumping from burning water-skis; Contact with nonvenomous frogs; Occupant of animal-drawn vehicle injured in collision with streetcar. There are also codes for being bitten by a crocodile, struck by a crocodile, and crushed by a crocodile. Virtually everyone agrees that the transition [to the new coding system] will mean decreased productivity and lost revenue, at least for a time, Hayes observed. Some experts are predicting widespread chaos in a sector of the economy that can little afford it.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 12:52:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015