In late September, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) posted final, approved regulations that transition the Golden State’s workers’ compensation system from the ICD-9 system of diagnosis to the ICD-10 system of diagnosis (effective October 1, 2015). But don’t worry—if this is the first you’ve heard of it, there is a grace period!
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The International Classification of Diseases—10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) and the International Classification of Diseases—10th Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) have been adopted for workers’ compensation for services rendered and inpatient discharges on or after October 1, 2015, in order to be consistent with the coding system that will be mandatory for most healthcare providers across the country beginning October 1. ICD-9 codes are not allowed for services rendered or inpatient discharges on or after October 1, 2015.
However, the regulations provide a grace period of use of the revised forms. From October 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015, providers may use either the old or new versions of the forms.
You can read the full DIR press release at the link below for more information.