Dive Brief:
- Rep. Gary Palmer has introduced a new bill (H.R. 2652) to propose a two-year grace period for healthcare providers submitting ICD-10 claims without denial due to coding errors.
- This marks the third bill introduced related to ICD-10 codes since April 30. The bill would not delay the October 1, 2015 ICD-10 implementation date. It would require CMS to pay claims with coding errors.
- The bill is focused on small and rural physicians who need more time and resources to make the transition to ICD-10, said Palmer. The time required to learn the new codes before October 1 would, he said, impede quality patient care.
Dive Insight:
H.R. 2652 also states that HHS must conduct a study on how the new codes have affected physicians and how well the organization has assisted providers in transitioning to ICD-10. Many have argued that there has been sufficient time from ICD-9 to ICD-10 as well as enough training materials via the "Road to ICD-10" website. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) stands opposed to the bill "since the grace period would lead to inaccurate coding, improper payments and potential medical billing fraud."