ICD-10 Codes

ICD-10 CM stands for International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems - Clinical Modification. ICD-10 is 68,000 specific clinical codes that provide data for the quality measurement, public health, research, organizational monitoring and performance and reimbursement sectors. Maintained by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, ICD-10 provides code titles and language necessary for accepted clinical practice.

Explore AHIMA's resources and find a wealth of information and media regarding the upcoming transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 codes. In addition, you can stay abreast of the latest news and information in ICD-10 diagnosis code conversion and implementation by signing up for the free AHIMA newsletter.

Why Convert to Medical ICD-10 Codes

The healthcare industry and data needs have changed drastically in the last thirty years. ICD-9-CM codes are no longer relevant to a modernized, 21st century healthcare system and, as a result, an October 1, 2011 ICD-10 implementation date has been proposed. ICD-10 is an improvement over ICD-9 as it benefits electronic health records as the healthcare industry becomes increasingly globalized and data sharing is imperative to public health. ICD-10 increases the level of detail and accuracy, improving the quality and specifics of clinical data and allowing for meaningful tracking of the outcome of patient care. Additionally, ICD-10 codes increase the level of detail needed to better classify and understand causes of morbidity.

ICD-10 diagnosis codes represent a modernization of the coding system and reflect advancements and changing needs of the health care system. Improved specifics and clinical detail that ICD-10 codes provide will:

• Aid in clinical decision making
• Improve results in clinical research
• Improve the ability to manage diseases
• Track and respond to international public health threats

ICD-10 codes will also improve the financial aspect of the healthcare industry by allowing for increased accuracy in payments for new procedures, and will allow healthcare professionals to compare costs and outcomes of different medical technologies. ICD-10 will also benefit the medical insurance industry by cleaning up miscoded, rejected and improper reimbursement claims.

Advocating for ICD-10 Codes

The United States is the only industrialized nation not to have implemented the ICD-10 code set. AHIMA recognizes the need and urgency to modernize the coding system and strongly believes the US healthcare system will benefit from medical ICD-10 codes. As a result, for over a decade AHIMA has been at the forefront urging and lobbying the government and healthcare industry to improve coding standards. AHIMA has actively sought support from the US Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services for immediate implementation of ICD-10 codes. For more in-depth information and inside intelligence from the authority in medical diagnosis codes, electronic medical records, reimbursement and compliance in healthcare, we encourage you to join the AHIMA network.

Access AHIMA

AHIMA understands implementing ICD-10 codes can be a complex process. To assist you with implementation, AHIMA has compiled media, vendor lists, member communities, whitepapers and educational materials for your benefit.

AHIMA encourages you to take advantage of our knowledge and expertise to ensure that you maintain your competitive advantage during ICD-10 conversion and implementation. If you seek additional information or have questions, please take a moment to contact us today.