1. ICD-10 Roadmap and Implementation
The Challenges
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have delayed
the implementation date for ICD-10 codes to October 2015. The client
wanted to use time from the extension to:
 Identify coding and billing processes that need improvement;
 Increase staff education on ICD-10 concepts, coding and
system functionality;
 Convert patient documentation from ICD-9 to ICD-10;
 Collaborate with external vendors such as AHCCCS during
testing; and
 Understand the financial impact of ICD-10 coding.
The Project
The project focused on developing a comprehensive ICD-10 roadmap
for purposes of assisting the client with the transition from ICD-9 to
ICD-10 codes, and leading the transition to the new codes. MSS used
a holistic approach encompassing people, process and technology to
identify all areas that will be impacted by the transition to ICD-10. The
strategy included an in depth analysis of workflow processes, vendors
who provide ICD-10 training, budget implications, and both internal
and external ICD-10 data integration points.
The project included time on site interviewing process owners to
develop workflows and identify the impact of ICD-10 codes in
Admissions, Diagnosing, Billing, Reporting and Data Integration. As a
result, MSS determined the level of training required for each role
within the organization. In order to align training needs with client
expectations, MSS led the selection process for an ICD-10 training
vendor that offered both on site and online training, in addition to
proficiency testing.
MSS completed a detailed review of the Electronic Health Record
(EHR) system and ICD-10 upgrades to determine the impact they will
have on users and workflows. MSS developed a testing strategy with
three major components. The first two components, Unit and System
Testing will validate the ICD-10 upgrades and functionality
requirements. The third component is Data Integration Testing and
includes ICD-10 testing requirements and billing processes for
AHCCCS.
Laura L. Vela | Healthcare Consulting Services Director
A: 1555 E Orangewood Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020
O: 602-387-2152
E: lvela@msstech.com
The Client
The client specializes in substance
abuse and mental health services, and
receives reimbursements from state
Medicaid, Arizona Health Care Cost
Containment System (AHCCCS). MSS
was engaged to provide ICD-10
advisory services.
The MSS Advantage
 Identify the right problems for our
clients.
 Be a 'whatever it takes' company.
 Build relationships with our
stakeholders by addressing their
needs.
The Result
MSS led the successful transition to
ICD-10 codes. The project was
delivered on time and budget, and all
impacted employees successfully
passed a competency test.
602-387-2100 | www.msstech.com