ICD-10 Delay Disappoints 58% Of Healthcare Organizations

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

Surprisingly, the majority of healthcare organizations report feeling disappointed by the recent decision to delay the ICD-10 deadline

The majority of healthcare organizations are feeling disappointed after news that ICD-10 will be delayed. This is surprising to some, since many previous polls found providers weren’t ready for the transition. In fact, MGMA reported in February less than 10 percent of providers were ready.

The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions recently conducted a poll asking providers how they perceived the latest ICD-10 delay. More than half (58 percent) reported being disappointed by the delay. Eleven percent said they felt relieved and another 11 percent said they were pleased. Twenty-one percent said they were indifferent about the delay.

When asked when the best time for implementation would be, 49 percent said October 2015, 30 percent wanted the 2014 date reinstated, and only 6 percent said they would prefer the date to be moved beyond October 2015.

Healthcare Informatics reports 59 percent of providers said they expect a loss of momentum due to the delay and 58 percent expect their resources and funding to be affected most. Fourteen percent said the delay will give them time to catch up on testing for the new coding system.

So what are providers going to do now that ICD-10 is not due until next year? Thirty percent say they are going to keep to their original plan and maintain their testing schedule. The delay will give 26 percent time to stop and reassess their plans, while 20 percent will use the additional time to slow down and take their time while moving toward implementation.

The Coalition for ICD-10 meanwhile has sent a letter to HHS encouraging the department to consider an October 2015 deadline. “While the transition to ICD-10 remains inevitable, it is extraordinarily difficult for organizations to make the proper preparations and investments without knowing the implementation date,” Lynne Thomas Gordon, CEO of the AHIMA and a Coalition member said in a statement. “The announcement of the new implementation date will give the industry the clarity necessary to prepare in the most cost-effective, prudent and strategic way.”