Why ICD-10 Is Worth the Trouble

Providers and payers may prefer to avoid transition, but upgrade is long overdue and the benefits are fear-reaching

CHICAGO, March 10, 2008—The 30-year-old ICD-9-CM code set is antiquated and can no longer meet the demands of healthcare’s data needs. Both ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS offer greater detail and increased ability to accommodate new technologies and procedures, according to an article in the March issue of the Journal of AHIMA.

The new code sets are more specific, helping clarify the connection between a provider’s performance and the patient’s condition. Moreover, ICD-10-CM greatly expands the codes for medical complications and medical safety issues.

The article explains that the United States is the only industrialized nation currently not using an ICD-10-based classification system for morbidity purposes. This limits our nation’s ability to immediately track and respond internationally to disease data when real-time information sharing is critical for public health.

Additionally, a sidebar lists reasons why the transition to ICD-10-CM is necessary, such as ICD-9-CM’s terminology and classification of numerous medical conditions being outdated, vague or inconsistent. The sidebar also lists benefits associated with moving to the new code sets including improved efficiencies and lower administrative costs.

Read the complete article in the March issue of the Journal of AHIMA or online at www.ahima.org.

About AHIMA

AHIMA is the leading professional Association representing more than 51,000 specially educated and certified health information management professionals working throughout the healthcare industry.  HIM professionals serve healthcare and the public by managing, analyzing, and utilizing data vital for health system management. www.ahima.org