On August 31, ISASS staff participated on a National Provider Call hosted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), “Countdown to ICD-10”, where CMS emphasized preparation, assistance and collaboration during the transition to ICD-10. As you already know, ICD-10 codes must be used for services provided on and after October 1, 2015. ISASS compiled relevant information and provided its members with an “ICD-10 Guide for Spine Practices” on August 21, 2015. Since that time, CMS named Dr. William Rogers as its ICD-10 Ombudsman. Dr. Rogers is an emergency room physician, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital, a State Air Surgeon in the US Air Force, and the Director of CMS’ Physician Regulatory Improvement Team. You and your staff can email questions to the Ombudsman and his staff at ICD10_Ombudsman@cms.hhs.gov. A Powerpoint presentation from the National Provider Call can be accessed at the following link:

National Provider Call ICD-10 Presentation (Powerpoint) →

Additionally, in response to questions from the health care community, on September 22, CMS released updated “Clarifying Questions and Answers Related to the July 6, 2015 CMS/AMA Joint Announcement and Guidance Regarding ICD-10 Flexibilities,” which provides answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Lastly, on September 14, ISASS partner The Business of Spine issued an ICD-10 Coding Advisory related to Department of Labor, Veterans Administration and Workers Compensation claims. The Coding Advisory is attached.

ICD-10 Coding Advisory →