Since HHS has proposed a year-long delay of implementing ICD-10, questions have been asked regarding the current ICD-9 code freeze. CMS confirmed that the code freeze will hold until ICD-10 is implemented, regardless of the delay, according to Pat Brooks, RHIA, and senior technical advisor at CMS.
The next regular code update won’t occur until one year after the eventual implementation of ICD-10. If HHS finalizes the October 1, 2014 implementation deadline, the next regular update would be October 1, 2015. The 2013 code updates will only relate to new diseases and technologies.
Providers are urged to comment on the proposed delay of October 1, 2014, since it has not yet been finalized. The published rule should appear in the Federal Register April 17. The comment period will extend for 30 days after that date.
