The American Medical Association and 99 state and specialty physician groups urged CMS to form a backup plan for the ICD-10 transition.
The transition is set to take place Oct. 1. In a letter sent March 4, the groups expressed concerns that CMS did not have a sufficient contingency plan in place to offset potential failures. The Government Accountability Office announced earlier this year that CMS was ready for the ICD-10 transition, but many physicians are concerned that claims acceptance would fall significantly, according to a statement from the AMA.
The physician groups also called for CMS to consider how the transition to ICD-10 will impact quality reporting programs. The ICD-10 transition will occur in the third quarter of 2015, but most quality measures are reported in the first quarter. The difference may affect quality reports, in turn reflecting in value-based payments.
"We are concerned the administration is underestimating the impact the transition to ICD-10 will have on the regulatory tsunami that is already burdening physicians and threatening access to quality care," said Robert Wah, MD, current AMA president, in the statement. "Although we appreciate the training, educational tools and other efforts by CMS to prepare physicians for the ICD-10 transition, it is clear that more information is needed about how the shift will impact quality reporting so physicians can avoid penalties."