ICD-10 guidance calls for dual coding during transition

A final rule regarding the new ICD-10 implementation date is coming from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services but new guidance indicates the need for dual coding.

The agency's guidance offers details on the need for dual coding and processing of ICD-9 and ICD-10 claims during the transition. "Dual coding and dual processing can be useful tools to prepare for ICD-10 by testing whether you are able to prepare, send, receive and process transactions with ICD-10. However, ICD-10 can be used for testing purposes only before the compliance date; providers and payers cannot use ICD-10 in 'live' transactions for dates of service before the ICD-10 compliance date," according to the guidance.

The guidance says providers and payers will be expected to use ICD-9 in tranactions for services provided before the compliance date and ICD-10 in transactions for services provided on or after the compliance date. "While providers and payers must be able to use both ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes after the compliance date to accommoate backlogs in claims and other transactions, they will not be able to choose to use either ICD-9 or ICD-10 for a given transaction. The date of service determines whether ICD-9 or ICD-10 is to be used."