Austin, TX – Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation recently released the following memo on the transition to ICD-10: On March 18, 2014, the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) issued a memo stating that beginning October 1, 2014, the Texas workers’ compensation system would transition from the use of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification and Procedure Coding System (ICD-9) to the International Classification of Disease, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification and Procedure Coding System (ICD-10) for medical billing, processing and reporting in alignment with federal regulations. These federal regulations adopt standard medical data codes sets that apply to the Medicare system, which is regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Recent federal legislation led to the signing of H.R. 4302 by President Barack Obama which includes a provision that delays the implementation of the ICD-10 to no earlier than October 01, 2015. The DWC anticipates that CMS will follow suit by issuing policy notices in regards to this legislation.
The DWC reminds you that the Texas Labor Code §413.011(a) requires the Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation to adopt the most current reimbursement methodologies, models, and values or weights used by CMS, including applicable payment policies relating to coding, billing, and reporting, and may modify documentation requirements as necessary to meet the requirements of Section 413.053.
Therefore, health care providers, insurance carriers, clearinghouses, and billing services that participate in the Texas workers’ compensation system must be prepared to comply with ICD-10 not earlier than October 1, 2015.
Although a delay in ICD-10 implementation has been enacted, it is still very important to prepare now for the eventual ICD-10 transition. There are many professional, clinical, and trade associations offering ICD-10 information, educational resources, and checklists. Call or check the websites of your associations and other industry groups to see what resources are available. You may also visit CMS website for resources here.
The DWC will be offering guidance on the ICD-9 to ICD-10 diagnoses codes through educational and informational outreach. If there are any questions regarding the information in this memo, contact Comp Connection for Health Care Providers at 800-372-7713, option 3 (in the Austin area, dial 512-804-4000) or e-mail medben@tdi.texas.gov.
Source: TDI-DWC