Dive Brief:
- A recent report by RelayHealth Financial found denial rates for ICD-10 claims are close to 1.6%.
- The report analyzed 262 million claims processed between Oct. 1, 2015 and Feb. 15, 2016, totaling $810 billion, according to the press release.
- Although the report shows there has not been a "marked increase" in claim denials, 20% of claims are still denied or delayed, "which can mean a dip of as much as 3% in a hospital or health system's revenue stream," said Marcy Tatsch, RelayHealth Financial vice president and general manager for reimbursement solutions.
Dive Insight:
CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt recently posted in a blog that ICD-10 claim rejection based on estimates for 2015 averaged almost 2%, and total claims denied averaged about 10%.
So, the 1.6% rate reported by RelayHealth Financial shows actual rates may be lower than the CMS averages.
Slavitt gave a nod of appreciation to partnerships with the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and other groups for facilitating the transition to ICD-10.
"Because we listened to and collaborated with our partners, we were able to address concerns and multiply our ability to get resources to physicians," Slavitt wrote in the blog post.
He added that the fears of ICD-10 implementation were abated by preparation, planning, and collaboration.
"With good implementations, we never declare victory and are still at the ready to continually improve," Slavitt wrote.