Division News
Wake Tech to Help Medical Offices Brace for Impending Coding Change
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 6, 2013) - The countdown is on: Medical practices and other healthcare providers have until next October to get staff trained and ready for a major administrative change. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will require all providers to switch from the ICD-9 medical coding system, a standard for three decades, to ICD-10 CM/PCS, starting in October 2014.
ICD-10 CM/PCS (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System) is used to classify and code all medical diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures. It has two parts: CM for diagnosis coding, and PCS for inpatient procedure coding.
The system is published by the World Health Organization and is in use in almost every country in the world except the U.S.
Why the switch? The ICD-9 system is more than 30 years old, and its 13,000 codes lack the specificity required for producing accurate data about medical conditions. By contrast, ICD-10 CM will have approximately 69,000 codes, according to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
“Medical coders must know the new system and assign the new, more detailed codes properly – or insurance claims could be paid in error, or not at all,” explains Jean Brown, Health Career Coordinator in Wake Tech’s Continuing Education Division. “Supervisors can be proactive by making sure their staff has adequate training for the ICD-10 system.” Wake Tech offers ICD-10 classes, as detailed below.
ICD-10 CM Coding, Course #107840, Aug. 21-Dec. 11, $125
A comprehensive overview of ICD10-CM along with in-depth training for medical office employees who have a good working knowledge of ICD-9 (not intended for those trying to enter the medical coder profession).
ICD-10 CM Training for the Medical Office, Course #110160, Saturday, Aug. 24 (one day class), $135
A brief overview of ICD-10 CM for medical coders who want an introduction to the system in order to earn CEUs – but are not interested in the more in-depth course at this time.
ICD-10 CM Training for Managers and Instructors, Course #110275, Nov. 7-8, $800
In-depth “train the trainer” class to prepare instructors and medical office managers to teach students and train staff on ICD-10 CM (Clinical Modification) coding. ICD-10 CM will help coders and billing professionals capture clinical data for timely, accurate billing.
ICD-10 PCS Training for Managers and Instructors, Course #110276, Saturday, Nov. 9 (one day class), $400
In-depth “train the trainer” class to prepare instructors and medical office managers to teach students and train staff on ICD-10 PCS (Procedural Coding System) coding. ICD-10 PCS will help coders and healthcare professionals document services rendered with greater detail.
For more information about Wake Tech’s ICD-10 training programs, visit continue.waketech.edu.
