From the NCTracks ICD-10 Inbox

Four months ago we opened the NCTracks ICD-10 email inbox to answer as many of your questions as possible. More than 200 of you sent in questions. Below are three that represent many of the questions we received, which are not already addressed in the ICD-10 FAQs. (See link below)

 
Q: Can you advise if North Carolina Medicaid is following the same guidance as CMS for claims that span the implementation period?  Do claims need to be split as well as their prior authorizations (PAs)?
 
A: You are correct. Both claims and PAs will have to be split over the transition time. It will mean more work for both providers and payers, but it only happens over the October 1, 2015, implementation date and then going forward it will be easier.
 
Q: Please send me an example of a split claim to ensure I will be ready.
 
A: A split claim is really two separate claims. You submit a claim with dates of service before October 1 and another claim for dates of service on and after October 1. Usually you would have sent one claim, but this one time, you will need to send two claims. And the same is true for PAs. Remember, by federal mandate NCTracks cannot accept ICD-9 codes for dates of service on or after October 1, 2015.
 
Q: We want to participate in ICD-10 testing in NCTracks. How do we volunteer?
 
A: By this time, the providers who will be participating in ICD-10 testing with NCTracks have been selected and notified. We selected a limited number of providers representing a diversity of practices, specialties and facilities. These provider testers represent 80 percent of the claims submitted. We haven’t the bandwidth for every provider who offered to test. We hope to offer a limited testing tool for everyone this summer. In addition, there is an NCTracks ICD-10 Crosswalk at http://ncmmis.ncdhhs.gov/icdxwalk.asp. Note that new codes are being added regularly and some existing codes may change, so check back periodically. Between the crosswalk and this testing tool, we hope to make sure everyone is ready for ICD-10 in NCTracks.
 
From now until ICD-10 goes live in October, you can send your ICD-10 questions and comments to NCTracks-Questioner@dhhs.nc.gov.  You will get an answer personally, and we will get an idea of the kinds of information you need. The best will be shared with everyone. We're all in this together.