In this session, attendees will:

·         Understand the potential short- and long-term impact of ICD-10 on clinical operations; and

·         Integrate this understanding into their own preparations for ICD-10 implementation on October 1, 2013.

Despite the fact that positive outcomes, regarding ICD-10-CM implementation, serve as popular talking points, such discussions often rely on generalities rather than specifics. The most common positive outcomes discussed include:

o    Improved identification of best practices;

o    Better accounting for burden of illness;

o    More detailed information on resource utilization;

o    Advanced disease management via enhanced population identification and stratification accuracy; and

o    Better understanding of healthcare outcomes.

There is no doubt that the implementation of ICD-10 will come with both costs and benefits. In fact HHS' Final Rule places a good portion of estimated ICD-10 related savings on better understanding of new procedures and improved disease management. However, it is remiss to assume that ICD-10 will have a positive impact on every aspect of the healthcare industry; instead, the categorical effects of ICD-10 must be examined individually.

In our presentation, we will discuss short-term and long-term potential impacts that ICD-10 may have on clinical management. We will focus on seven key areas that impact day-to-day health care management operations:

1)  Medical coverage policies
2)  Disease management
3)  Wellness management
4)  Quality Improvement studies and reporting
5)  Medical necessity guidelines
6)  Case management
7)  Documentation to support proper coding