As of October 1, 2015, some payors will begin to require orthodontic offices to use ICD-10 coding on claim forms immediately.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), if an office already has access to version 2012 of the American Dental Association claim form, then it has done much of what it needs to do in order to be prepared. Those offices who need the forms can order them from the ADA Store. Offices are further advised that if they use electronic files to make sure their practice management software includes the 2012 version of the ADA claim form—and specifically has the ability to populate boxes 34 and 34a of the form.
The AAO offers a specialized guide, ICD-10 Coding Crosswalk, which provides guidance on ICD-10 codes needed for use in box 34a of the claim form.
The AAO cautions practices to not begin to include the ICD-10 coding until individual payors request it, as many payors do not yet have their claim adjudication systems programmed to accept this coding.
The AAO Council on Orthodontic Health Care will hold two free ICD-10 webinars for AAO members and their staffs this month. The 75-minute webinars will take place October 13, 2015 at 12 pm CST and October 20, 2015 at 8 pm CST. Registration is required.
The webinars will be archived in the Business of Orthodontics section of the AAO Online Lectures site following the live webcasts.
