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www.SystemsDesignEMS.com

August 2015 Newsletter

Systems Design West hosts its 3rd Annual EMS Billing Documentation and Billing Workshop
Don't miss Systems Design's 3rd Annual EMS Billing Conference! Spend the day with nationally-recognized Maggie Adams of EMS Financial as she presents valuable information on the new ICD-10 diagnosis codes and their effect on field documentation.   Through her engaging style, you will gain critical knowledge in the areas of compliance, reimbursement and how documentation can impact payments for both emergency and non-emergency providers.  Come learn how to protect your revenue through ICD-10 documentation changes.

The date for the workshop is Thursday, 9/24/2015, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at The Pickering Barn in Issaquah, WA.

Please contact Elen Sia at ElenS@sdwems.com or (800) 585-5242 to find out more about the conference or to reserve your seat. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mark Spice's Retirement
Mark Spice is retiring from Systems Design!  After years spent as an integral part of the EMS community, Mark has announced that he is retiring this fall to spend more time with family.  We welcome Jenn Braus to succeed him as CEO of Systems Design.  Jenn is excited to become a part of the EMS community and continue the high-quality service that Systems Design provides to all of its invaluable clients and their patients.

Mark and Jenn are working closely over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.  During our fall workshop (see above), you will be able to personally meet Jenn and wish Mark all the best as he retires.  Please feel free to contact Jenn at any time at JennB@sdwems.com or (360) 394-7082.  Systems Design is excited for this next phase of its bright future!

ICD-10 News
After several years of delay, ICD-10 usage will be required starting October 1st.  ICD-10 is the tenth revision of the International Classification of Diseases, which most refer to as "diagnosis codes" or "condition codes." This latest revision will have a big impact on medical billers across all areas of healthcare.  Our office has been busy updating software, designing code lists, training staff and submitting test claims to ensure readiness and compliance.

While billing departments are learning the new coding system, healthcare providers are learning what changes are needed in documentation. ICD-10 has increased the number of diagnosis codes by 55,000!  Some of this increase is due to newly-identified diseases, but mostly it is due to codes that are more specific and codes that better capture severity and laterality.  Documentation of the patient's condition will need to reflect this same increase in specificity.

There are several options for you to receive information on EMS documentation and the new requirements. The speaker at our workshop on September 24th, Maggie Adams, will be presenting in-depth information about documentation requirements and ICD-10.  Systems Design has also developed documentation training for your crews that is available on-site or by webinar.  To arrange either of these programs, contact our administrative office at 800-585-5242 or elens@sdwems.com.

Medicare recently released a concise guide to ICD-10 resources.  While EMS is not specifically addressed in this guide, the section titled "Clinical Concepts Series for Specialties" includes documentation tips for many common conditions and codes.

We welcome suggestions of topics of interest for future newsletters. Please contact Elen Sia at (360) 394-7020 or send her an email at elens@sdwems.com.
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We join with you in mourning the loss of the three fire fighters in Eastern Washington.

Thank you for all that you do.

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Be SAFE out there!

 
Administration

Toll Free: (800) 585-5242
Phone:     (360) 394-7020
Fax:          (360) 394-7099
Email: info@sdwems.com

Systems Design West, LLC | PO Box 3510 | Silverdale | WA | 98383