ICD-10 ? of the Week: Why can’t I buy a ICD-10 translator for ICD-9 CM codes?

ICD-10 Q & A

Question: Why can’t I buy a ICD-10 translator for ICD-9 CM codes?

Answer: Every ICD-9 CM code will not translate to every ICD-10 code for a couple reasons:

1. ICD-10 codes are more specific and additional information is necessary to select the proper code.  For example, you must provide more information about a broken bone and indicate the severity of disease.

2. Several sections of code sets were modified so that a direct translation is not possible.  For instance, obstetric codes must now indicate the trimester, which is a new ICD-10 requirement.

HIPAA Q & A

Question: Is a medical practice required to release the entire medical record to a third party if parts of the record were acquired from other medical providers?

Answer: If a patient has specified that only certain portions of their medical record should be released, you should only release those portions of the medical record.  Otherwise, you should release the entire medical record – even if it contains information from other providers.