ICD-10 News: Dual Coding and Dual Processing

News Updates | July 10, 2014
ICD-10, Dual Coding, and Dual Processing Discussions of ICD-9 and ICD-10 often include mention of the terms dual processing and dual coding. Different people use these terms to mean different things, but in general, dual coding or processing refers to the use of ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes at the same time. So, when can you expect to use dual coding and processing and when can’t you? Testing to Prepare for ICD-10 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. Dual Coding and Dual Processing After the Compliance Date Following the ICD-10 compliance date, providers and payers must use: ICD-9 in transactions for services provided before the compliance date 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 accommodate 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. When Is the ICD-10 Compliance Date? The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) expects to release a final rule in the near future that will include a new compliance date that would require the use of ICD-10 beginning October 1, 2015. The new compliance date would give providers an extra year to prepare. The final rule would also require the continued use of ICD-9 for services provided through September 30, 2015. Keep Up to Date on ICD-10Visit the CMS ICD-10 website for the latest news and resources to help you prepare. Sign up for CMS ICD-10 Industry Email Updates and follow us on Twitter.
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