CMS seeks public comment on ICD-10 readiness assessment

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking public comment to inform a new version of an ICD-10 industry readiness assessment, which the agency will use to survey 1,200 healthcare stakeholders from various sectors to gauge progress made toward the transition to ICD-10, according to an Aug. 10 notice in the Federal Register.

CMS initially set an Oct. 1, 2013, compliance deadline for the healthcare industry’s transition to ICD-10, but a proposed rule published in April would allow one more year for compliance. The results of a previously conducted readiness assessment published in December 2011 presumably informed CMS’ decision to delay the deadline for transitioning to ICD-10.    

The readiness assessment survey results will not drive policy and will be intended for education and outreach purposes only. “Findings from the ICD-10 industry readiness assessment will be used by CMS to understand each sector’s progress toward compliance and to determine what communication and educational efforts can best help affected entities obtain tools and resources they need to achieve timely compliance with ICD-10,” the notice read.  

For more information, read the complete notice.