The document discusses the implications of the second delay of the ICD-10 implementation until October 1, 2015. It warns that momentum, processes, training, and software usage could be lost due to the delay. It emphasizes the challenge of keeping everyone motivated and focused on the new implementation goal. The author provides recommendations for conducting an organizational assessment, maintaining a positive outlook, re-evaluating training needs, and beginning early implementation of certain ICD-10 aspects to prevent loss of progress already made.

1. CYNTHIA BROWN, MBA, RHIT, CCS
CODING YESTERDAY’S NOMENCLATURE TODAY®
CYNTCODING HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES

2. By now all of the major stakeholders have heard that the
implementation of ICD-10 CM/PCS has been delayed until
October 1, 2015. Oh no, what now! Well, since this is the
second delay, the biggest concerns should be that of loss of
momentum, loss of processes, loss of training and the loss
in using new software. To remain positive, I will not
mention the loss in revenue. Trainees are in danger of
forgetting what they have learned to get themselves ready
for the new nomenclature. The ground gained in tearing
down resistance to the nomenclature is also in danger of
being lost. The challenge will be in keeping everyone
motivated, involved, up-to-date, focused on the goal and
committed to their responsibility in reaching the goal. I
feel the most difficult task will be that of KEEPING THE
MOMEMTUM GOING.

3.  Conduct an organizational-
wide assessment of where
you are in the
implementation process.
 This should involve all
departments who would
have been affected by the
nomenclature .
 It should be a realistic
assessment of how ready
the organization was for
the October 1, 2014
implementation date.

4.  Allow a reasonable amount
of time and respect for
everyone to voice their
concerns while letting
everyone know that all is
not lost.
 Expect negative feedback;
but do not let it set the
tone. REMAIN POSITIVE.
 Remember technical staff
are accustomed to delays
when it comes to major IT
projects while non-
technical staff are not.

5.  Remind everyone of the
GOAL .
 Remind everyone of what
their responsibility is in
achieving the GOAL.
 Emphasize the
IMPORTANCE
momentum has in
reaching the GOAL.

6. REMEMBER: Long-term
motivation is a difficult
burden for any one person
to carry. Encourage
everyone to participate in
the role of “motivator and
cheerleader.” A loss of
momentum can negatively
affect the progress already
made AND future
performance.

7.  Form task-specific
committees:
 Personnel who will be
checking quality issues
 Documentation
improvement issues can be
strengthened
 Add personnel to the
testing process
 Assign coding and
documentation auditors
 Re-evaluate training needs
 Conduct a Work –flow
analysis and improve
where necessary

8.  Re-evaluate training needs. This
will require input from your
staff. DO NOT JUDGE.
LISTEN.
 How comfortable are they with
using the new nomenclature?
 Has the training received so far
been effective? See the
slideshare presentation
http://www.slideshare.net/cyntc
oder/is-your-training-
technique-effective for training
tips.
 What changes need to be made
in the method of training and
the frequency of training
sessions?
I DON’T UNDERSTAND IT!

9.  Participating departments
can implement some parts of
the process by October 1, 2014
as planned;
 Include the nomenclature
and documentation
improvement guidelines in
the day-to-day
activities/processes of staff;
 Practice using the new
nomenclature daily (coders &
clinical staff especially); and
 Conduct mock
implementation throughout
the upcoming year.

10. Cynthia Brown, MBA, RHIT, CCS
AHIMA Approved ICD-10 CM/PCS Trainer
CyntCoding Health Information Services
Phone: 404-992-8984/E-Fax: 678-805-4919
P.O. Box 3019
Decatur, GA 30031
cyntcoder@cyntcodinghealthinformationservices.com
www.cyntcodinghealthinformationservices.com
http://cyntcodinghealthinformationservices.blogspot.com
Coding Yesterday’s Nomenclature Today®

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