ICD 10 Compliant

Our Commitment to ICD-10

For decades, the U.S. healthcare system relied on ICD-9 codes for reporting diagnoses and inpatient procedures. However, on October 1, 2015, this code set was replaced by the far more comprehensive ICD-10.

ICD stands for the International Classification of Diseases, a system that allows healthcare professionals to document and identify health conditions accurately. ICD codes are essential for managing health, treating conditions, and conducting epidemiological research. Public health officials utilize ICD codes to monitor health trends, track morbidity and mortality, and respond to emerging health concerns. Additionally, insurers rely on these codes to classify conditions and determine reimbursements.

The transition to ICD-10 brought a substantial increase in specificity, expanding diagnosis codes from around 13,000 to approximately 69,000. This shift, required for all entities covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), affects medical practices, hospitals, nursing communities, and insurers who depend on ICD-10 for accurate diagnoses and billing.

At Five Star Physicians, we fully embrace ICD-10 as an essential tool for precise documentation and care. This system allows us to capture detailed information about our patients’ conditions, improve care quality, support public health initiatives, and ensure appropriate reimbursement for the care we provide.

The Importance of ICD-10 at Five-Star Physicians

ICD-10 is essential to our practice as it elevates our ability to deliver precise, trackable, and cost-effective care. In the past, clinicians documented patient conditions primarily for their own use and for reimbursement purposes. However, with ICD-10, we now have a universal language that not only captures a patient’s condition in greater detail but also enables better monitoring of healthcare trends, both regionally and nationally. This capability is vital for public health and policy-making, allowing for targeted responses to emerging health issues.

While some clinicians may resist ICD-10, Five Star Physicians fully embraces it. We see it as a critical component of quality care and cost control, and we invest in ongoing employee training to ensure our team is adept at accurate coding. Supported by our electronic records system, our specialized coding experts work closely with our clinicians to ensure compliance and optimal utilization of ICD-10. Though you may interact directly with our dedicated clinicians, there is a robust team behind the scenes, all committed to ensuring accurate coding and exceptional care delivery.