It’s a new year and many chiropractors are evaluating what will enhance their respective practices, particularly as it relates to their bottom line. One of the most common questions I get is: “Do I need to be credentialed to bill insurance, and what are the best plans to join?” It’s a loaded question – but one every DC ponders. Whether you're already in-network or pondering whether to join, here's what you need to know.
An Extra Year to Get Ready for ICD-10
Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced a proposed rule that would delay the compliance deadline for implementation / use of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) diagnosis and procedure codes for a full year, from Oct. 1, 2013 to Oct. 1, 2014. The compliance delay is part of a larger proposed rule that also "simplifies the administrative process for providers by proposing that health plans have a unique identifier of a standard length and format to facilitate routine use in computer systems," according to the HHS. For additional information regarding the ICD-10 and compliance specifics, visit www.cms.gov and enter "ICD-10" in the search field.