Countdown to ICD-10 is On

Healthcare entities that are on track with the original compliance date can use the extra time to:

• Conduct more thorough testing
• Provide additional training
• Continue to communicate with trading partners regarding their readiness
• Assess risks
• Develop strategies to mitigate risks and maximize opportunities for success

Examples of risk mitigation strategies include:

• Using innovative approaches to staffing and education
• Leveraging available resources
• Ensuring the right training is provided to the right people at the right time
• Planning for post-implementation monitoring

Entities on schedule to meet the original compliance date should consider maintaining their current implementation preparation schedule and planning and use the additional time for expanded testing.

Those organizations that are well ahead of schedule could extend ICD-10 education and outreach activities to other healthcare entities in their communities that are struggling to meet the 2014 compliance date.

Collaborative efforts across the public and private sectors can help to ensure all industry segments are ready to transition to ICD-10 on October 1, 2014. As noted earlier, all industry segments will suffer if some sectors are not ready.