The October
1st implementation date for ICD-10 is fast approaching. It is not too late to prepare. The AOA has available resources to assist our
member doctors in preparing their practices for this major change. Don't
be left behind; your claims will not be paid if you are not prepared!
Countdown to ICD-10 Implementation Date
Take these 10 steps to take to maximize the ICD-10 resources the AOA has available and prepare for ICD-10:
1. Order the Critical Resources You Need in Your Office - The AOA’s 2015 Coding Bundle, which includes the 2015 AOA ICD-10 Codes for Optometry Manual, the 2015 AMA Professional Edition CPT Manual and the AOA Express Mapping Card which provides ODs with a crosswalk from ICD-9 to ICD-10 for many commonly used diagnosis codes. Purchase the bundle here.
2. Review AOA’s 10 Part ICD-10 Webinar Series and 2 Hour ICD-10 Overview – This webinar series is available for review at any time. The series covers everything from how to prepare for the transition to ICD-10 to how to code for specific ocular conditions.
3. Check Your Progress – Many of the ICD-10 Webinars include brief quizzes so you can test your knowledge. Access the review material here.
4. Utilize AOA’s Coding Experts – AOA’s coding experts are available to answer your coding questions. Use the online form to contact AOA’s coding experts.
5. Review AOA Focus for ICD-10 FAQs - Each month AOA Focus includes a feature article on a timely coding topic written by AOA’s coding experts. Each article is accompanied by frequently asked questions. From May to October the FAQs are focusing specifically on common ICD-10 questions.
6. Utilize the AOA’s Online Coding Resource – AOACodingToday.com is a no cost, members only, online resource that houses ICD-10 and CPT information. The site allows you to browse ICD-10 codes and provides an ICD-10 crosswalk.
7. Watch for ICD-10 Articles in AOA Publications – Leading up to the implementation date, look for additional information and guidance in AOA’s publications such as AOA Focus, the AOA Alerts Page and the AOA News Page.
8. Register for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) August 27 call “Countdown to ICD-10.” This call will be held five weeks prior to the ICD-10 implementation on October 1, 2015. A national implementation update will be provided along with coding guidance and tips, and updates from CMS.
9. Use AOA’s Website as a Gateway - AOA’s ICD-10 Resources Page includes links to ICD-10 tools and information from CMS, Medscape and other groups.
10. Contact AOA Staff – AOA’s Associate Director for Coding and Regulatory Policy is available for guidance on resource use and welcomes any suggestions for additional ICD-10 tools and resources doctors of optometry may need. Please contact Kara Webb at kcwebb@aoa.org.
