Edifecs, a healthcare technology company, recently conducted a survey of 454 industry representatives to identify what areas of hospital operations would most benefit from the increased specificty ICD-10. The chart below summarizes the opportunities.
Given current reimbursement methodologies, these results are not surprising. However, as more ICD-10 claims data becomes available, it is reasonable to assume that the industry will strive to adjust coverage guidelines, medical necessity criteria, coding and billing requirements, and quality defintions.