Small Providers Still Challenged By ICD-10

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

A WEDI survey shows that while delays to the deadline for ICD-10 were expected to lessen the burden on providers, they have in fact made the transition more difficult for some.

The Workgroup for Electronic Data Exchange (WEDI) issued a letter to HHS outlining the results of their recent survey of more than 300 providers, 87 vendors, and 103 health plans.

“About one-half of the providers indicate they have completed their impact assessment - essentially the same number as in the October 2013 survey,” explains the letter. The survey also found about two-fifths of those who participated responded “unknown” or that they expect to complete this in 2015. More large providers had completed this step than small ones, which were unsure when it would be completed.

Fierce Health IT reports smaller providers in particular expressed they have struggled since the delay. Most don’t expect to begin external testing until next year.

“Based on the survey results, vendors and health plans continue to make progress, but some tasks are slipping into 2015, particularly those related to testing. It appears the delay has negatively impacted provider progress, causing two-thirds of provider respondents to slow down efforts or place them on hold," WEDI chairman Jim Daley says in a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell that shares the survey's results. "While the delay providers more time for the transition to ICD-10, many organizations are not taking full advantage of this additional time."

“It is critical to closely monitor industry progress and early testing results to gauge what might occur on Oct. 1, 2015. We strongly encourage HHS to assist in promoting future ICD-10 readiness surveys, as that should lead to increased response rates and a more comprehensive view of industry readiness.”