Providers Slow To Prepare For ICD-10
By Katie Wike, contributing writer
Providers, payers, and vendors are all lagging behind in preparing for ICD-10 with deadline only 10 months away
In a poll of 353 respondents consisting of 196 providers, 59 vendors, and 98 health plans, the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI), found the level of ICD-10 preparedness lacking. Only half of providers and 60 percent of health plans have completed an impact assessment, and just one of three payers is currently conducting external testing.
“Based on the survey results, it is clear the industry continues to make slow progress, but not the amount of progress that is needed for a smooth transition,” writes WEDI Chairman Jim Daley in a letter addressed to CMS. “The industry is far behind the milestones suggested in the WEDI/NCHICA timeline, and has slipped further behind when compared to the February 2013 survey results.”
While it’s discouraging that only half of providers have already completed ICD-10 impact reports, it’s an improvement compared to only one-sixth that had completed reports in February. “However, there is still cause for concern as one-fourth do not plan to complete their assessment until sometime in 2014, leaving little time for remediation,” says the report.
“People are finding this is bigger than they expect,” Daley previously told EHR Intelligence. “They’re finding that more time is needed. That’s a cautionary tale no matter what stage you’re in. So you’re very likely to be caught off guard if you don’t allow enough time. The biggest message is not to drag your feet. The date is there. CMS says it’s not moving. You’re putting your organization at risk if you’re not moving forward.”
Bad news continues, as the survey concludes, “Based on the survey results, all industry segments appear to have made some progress since February 2013, but have not gained sufficient ground to remove concern over meeting the October 1, 2014 compliance deadline. Unless all segments move quickly forward with their implementation efforts, there will be significant disruption on October 1, 2014.”
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