Effective Oct. 1, 2013, diagnostic coding in all health-care settings will change from ICD-9 to ICD-10.  To accommodate the changes to the code structure resulting from this transition, CMS is requiring an update to the transaction standards used for electronic health-care claims.  The current standards, Version 4010/4010A, must be upgraded to Version 5010 by Jan. 1, 2012.  CMS has created a detailed fact sheet with information about the switch to Version 5010.

CMS recommends establishing a timeline for setting up and testing your Version 5010 system.  It is recommended that health-care providers perform internal testing of their Version 5010 system throughout 2011 to resolve any issues and avoid any delays in payment due to system problems.

For more information about the transition to Version 5010 and for detailed instructions on how to prepare for the transition, visit the Get Ready 5010 website.