Most Execs Expect On Time Launch Of ICD-10

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

A QualiTest report finds a majority of healthcare executives expect no more ICD-10 delays and are preparing for an October 1 launch.

Eighty-three percent of healthcare executives recently surveyed by QualiTest said they believe ICD-10 will go live on October 1, 2015 with no more delays. Seventeen percent disagree, saying they expect the measure to once again be delayed.

iHealth Beat reports the software testing firm polled more than 150 healthcare executives, most of who were in IT positions. The majority also said their systems have been upgraded and they are confident the software will function properly on October 1.

Two-thirds believe their hospitals’ revenue will change after the implementation of ICD-10. Eleven percent didn’t think they would see a change and 22 percent said they weren’t sure. Just over half said they participated in end-to-end testing in January 2015, while 60 percent said they plan to participate in the remaining end-to-end testing.

Only 22 percent used outside contractors to test and only 28 percent said they used test automation in order to make testing more efficient. Clinical Innovation + Technology reports this number is low “as opposed to the 56 percent who reported that they are solely using manual testing to ensure that their ICD-10 testing will seamlessly integrate in both internal and external systems.”

Last spring providers were disappointed by yet another delay in ICD-10 deadlines. Health IT Outcomes noted at the time 58 percent reported being disappointed by the delay. Eleven percent said they felt relieved and another 11 percent said they were pleased. Twenty-one percent said they were indifferent about the delay. “When asked when the best time for implementation would be, 49 percent said October 2015, 30 percent wanted the 2014 date reinstated, and only 6 percent said they would prefer the date to be moved beyond October 2015.”