Based on a system developed by the World Health Organization, the new codes have already been adopted by all industrialized countries but the United States, according to the American Health Information Management Association, which still backs the transition and is also urging providers not to delay the implementation. AHIMA says ICD-10 codes allow for better public health management, such as the tracking of emerging diseases and bioterrorism threats, according to information on its website.

Ready to go?

In defense of the current deadline, HIMSS said many of the "larger providers" have already taken steps necessary to put ICD-10 in place in time. In fact, HIMSS said 90 percent of 302 health care IT executives responding to its recent leadership survey said they would meet the original deadline, according to a study the group intends to share next week at its annual conference in Las Vegas. HIMSS also said 67 percent of respondents to the survey said ICD-10 implementation is their number one financial IT priority.

"While HIMSS understands and recognizes that there are providers facing resource challenges to meet the compliance date, the conversion to ICD-10 code sets will affect more positive outcomes for patients," the group said in its announcement.

Of course, ICD-10 isn't the final stop on the line. As America braces for ICD-10, ICD-11 is already in the works. The WHO, which already hosts an alpha-draft on its website, hopes to have a public beta this spring and a working version up in 2015.

Back to HCB News

More Industry Headlines