The Department of Health and Human Services announced the compliance date of October 1, 2014 for implementation of ICD-10-CM (diagnoses) and ICD-10-PCS (procedures). ICD-10 is a diagnostic coding system implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1993 to replace ICD-9, which was developed by (WHO) in the 1970’s. Currently, ICD-10 is in almost every country in the world except the United States.
The University of Chicago Genetic Services Laboratory (UCGSL) is without exclusion in this implementation process. Therefore, beginning early 2014, we will be making our transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 code setting. To the best of our knowledge, the Department of Health & Human Services will not grant any extensions, grace periods or delays, with respect to this implementation date. In light of this, we will make every effort toward this process so that we can be in compliance and ready for the scheduled compliance date of October 1, 2014.
Due to the clinical nature of ICD-10-CM, our coding staff will be undergoing Anatomy and Pathophysiology training which covers all body systems. This particular training will help prepare for advanced specialty and stronger clinical knowledge requirements for ICD-10. In addition to training courses and practice in preparation for this coding transition, our coding staff will be obtaining their ICD-10 certification as to ensure their proficiency in this area. We appreciate your patience during our time of transition and hope that it will serve to make your experience with our laboratory more efficient.
Please be reminded to visit our website (www.dnatesting.uchicago.edu) for continual updates of our tests.
Yulanda Outlaw, MPA, CPC
Billing Manager