LIS Software Updated For ICD-10 Codes
Online, April 23, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Remaining on top of updated medical requirements, like the use of ICD-10 codes, is one of the benefits of working with a smaller team dedicated to select laboratory software offerings. Among the other advantages is the ability to remain responsive and flexible, which is what allowed Comp Pro Med to update their Polytech LIS software to use ICD-10 coding months ago, well ahead of the HIPAA deadline (which is currently October 1st, 2014).
The US is a very late adapter to this classification system, and is the only industrialized nation that has still not nationally transitioned to its use. Many medical facilities have been putting off the change due to the overwhelming amount of training and information required to update, but this is largely a mistake. Professionals have noted that it may take years to fully come up to speed with the ICD-10 changes, and the sooner facilities can start - the better.
"Upgrading to the ICD-10 codes is not some meaningless decision. It will have very real benefits to the medical community (and patients) at large. The current ICD-9 codes are 30 years old and outdated. They don't account for modern medical technology, and a number of procedures don't have an accurate code to cover them. This new classification will increase specificity and reduce the likelihood of error, not to mention make everything easier to track. The upgrade is most definitely a positive, and long-awaited, move", says Jeff Fisher, President of Comp Pro Med.
Many LIS and EHR providers have been putting off updating their systems, hoping that their Band-Aid bridge solutions will keep clients on the hook until the deadline finally hits, at which point big changes will need to be made, and perhaps brand new systems implemented. Our advice: don't wait.
For further information regarding Comp Pro Med or Comp Pro Med's Polytech LIS system, visit www.comppromed.com or please contact Andrea Wilmes at (800) 276-4522 or via email at awilmes@comppromed.com.