The 4 Questions to Ask and Answer Regarding ICD-10: Second of a 2-Part Series.

INTRODUCTION: On October 1, 2015 the United States will transition from the decades-old 9th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) set of diagnoses for coding medical encounters and inpatient procedure codes to the far more contemporary, vastly larger and much more detailed 10th revision of those code sets (ICD-10). In this second part of a 2-part series we will address the 2 remaining questions about this transition, namely why you should check your codes to ensure correct coding and how to best prepare for the transition. METHODS: A search was undertaken to determine how ICD-10 codes are organized and the best techniques to choose correct codes, and how to best prepare for the transition. Results were based on this search, and on input and expertise from coding experts as well as personal experience. RESULTS: Due to the significant change in the code set and rules, ICD-10 codes should be double-checked for accuracy, especially early in the transition, as finding the most accurate code involves challenges. Detailed preparation of all aspects of the practice potentially affected by ICD-10 codes is vital. CONCLUSIONS: The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 will have a major impact on anyone who uses health care information. Proper preparation is vital to a smooth transition.

The 4 Questions to Ask and Answer Regarding ICD-10: First of a 2-Part Series.

INTRODUCTION: On October 1, 2015 the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th revision (ICD-9) will be replaced by the 10th revision (ICD-10) for coding medical encounters in the United States. This transition will fundamentally change how medical care is documented, how health care is delivered and how delivery systems operate. We will shed light on the ICD-10 transition and answer 4 questions we believe to be important to this transition. We first wanted to know 1) how ICD-10 differs from ICD-9 and 2) why we need to do this/what frustrations we might expect. METHODS: A search was undertaken regarding the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10, and included input and expertise from coding experts as well as personal experience. RESULTS: ICD-10 differs from ICD-9 in a number of ways, not just in the extreme expansion in the number of codes and specificity. ICD-10 has a new structure and rules that must be understood. The proposed advantages of transitioning to ICD-10 include a better analysis of disease patterns, improved treatment outcomes, streamlined claims submissions and reduced overall health care costs. These "advantages" have been debated and not yet proved. The transition could be very expensive and very frustrating. CONCLUSIONS: The transition to ICD-10 presents a significant implementation challenge for every health care provider and practice, and could be financially devastating to those who are unprepared. There is a significant cost to implementation, much of which is seemingly placed directly on health care providers. We must be prepared.

Reimbursement issues with hormonal therapies for prostate cancer.

Reimbursement issues surrounding the treatment of prostate cancer with hormonal therapies have changed dramatically in the past 2 years. The ultimate goal for urologists when making treatment decisions regarding LHRH agonist use is to continue to provide hassle-free, complete care for patients, including whatever medications they need. This is still fully possible under the new rules without sacrificing the opportunity to profit from office-based administration of injectable medications.

2003 American Urological Association Gallup survey: physician practice patterns, cryosurgery/brachytherapy, male infertility, female urology and insurance/professional liability.

PURPOSE: The Health Policy Survey and Research Committee of the American Urological Association and the Gallup Organization have performed 10 surveys of American urologists since 1992 for the purpose of assessing demographics and practice patterns. The results of the 2003 survey are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 510 urologists who have completed urological residencies was interviewed by telephone in February 2003. Major content areas were physician practice patterns, cryosurgery/brachytherapy, male infertility, female urology and insurance/ professional liability. RESULTS: Urologists are older, staying in practice longer and planning to retire later than ever before. Urologists are also seeing more patients in the office every year. Most urologists treat male infertility and female voiding dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: American urologists are older, working harder and planning on continuing to do so for longer than in any year sampled in the last decade.

The changing face of urology in 2005.

The practice of urology is changing, not only from a medical and technological standpoint, but also from a business standpoint. New and improved computer technology and enhanced databases have allowed payers, including Medicare, to develop more detailed and complicated rules. These same advancements will allow physicians to streamline their practice, automate transactions, and match computer to computer, the continuously changing payment rules and regulations that determine how urologists receive payment for their services.

2001 American Urological Association Gallup Survey: changes in physician practice patterns, satisfaction with urology, and treatment of prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The Health Policy Survey and Research Committee of the American Urological Association and the Gallup organization have performed 9 surveys of American urologists since 1992 for the purpose of assessing demographics and practice patterns. The results of the 2001 survey are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 507 urologists was interviewed in February and March 2001. Major content areas were physician practice patterns, cryosurgery/brachytherapy, prostate specific antigen, erectile dysfunction, Medicare and the Internet. RESULTS: Membership in the American Urological Association continues to increase among American urologists. The number of patients seen weekly in the office also continues to increase. While age at retirement has not changed significantly, most urologists are satisfied with the specialty and increasing numbers are using the Internet. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive procedures such as brachytherapy for prostate cancer continue to proliferate and there is evidence that the specialty of urology is continuing to become more office based. The demand for urological services appears to be continuing to increase.