ICD-10-CM training sessions for health care professionals

Affiliated Medical Billing, an affiliate of Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants, will host ICD-10-CM training sessions at locations throughout Michigan beginning in January 2014. These sessions have been approved for 4 CEUs by the American Academy of Professional Coders.

The impact of moving to the ICD-10 code set is substantial. Not only does the new code set include five times as many codes as the ICD-9 code set, but the different arrangement of codes will require more documentation, revised forms, retraining of physicians and staff, and changes to software and other information technology.

"The success or failure of ICD-10 implementation will depend on the staff's ability to meet the transitional challenges. The more knowledgeable they are, the better the results. The practice's revenue will depend on whether claims are processed as clean claims or denied for inappropriate diagnostic coding," states Julia M. Lowe, Certified Professional Coder and President of Affiliated Medical Billing.

The ICD-10-CM training sessions have been designed to meet the needs of physicians, medical coders, billers and ancillary staff. Attendees can expect to learn about the background of ICD-10-CM and what is expected to happen when the change takes place in October 2014. Information will be shared regarding the new documentation requirements and guidelines, as well as seventh-digit extensions, placeholders and other pertinent information one must know in order to transition to ICD-10-CM. 

Lowe will present most of the sessions. She has over 40 years of experience in the healthcare environment. Her focus is on physician coding, billing and practice management. She frequently serves as a consultant to medical practices in regards to accounts receivable controls, billing and coding audits, fee structuring and CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS training. She is available to lecture at private medical practices, colleges, hospitals and residency programs. For large groups, she is able to modify the ICD-10-CM training to meet the needs of the practice.