Advanced translation application converts healthcare systems and software to ICD-10

3M Health Information Systems has released the 3M^™ ICD-10 Code Translation Tool, a new software application that helps convert ICD-9 based applications to ICD-10. Using sophisticated translation technology, the software assists providers and payers in translating ICD-9 codes from existing information systems into the language of ICD-10. The 3M ICD-10 Code Translation Tool dramatically decreases the time and human resources required to make the transition to the ICD-10 classification system.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has set October 1, 2013 as the implementation date for ICD-10, the new national coding standard that will replace ICD-9-CM. Codes based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), are used throughout health care to record, store, and retrieve diagnosis and procedure information for clinical, epidemiological and quality purposes, and for reimbursement.

“Since patient care, revenue cycle, quality and coding functions must continue during the transition, it’s essential that organizations have a comprehensive strategy for converting existing ICD-9 applications to ICD-10 based applications,” said Tom Anastasio, Senior Vice President, Provider Markets, for 3M Health Information Systems. “Translating systems, reports and records—any application where ICD-9 codes are used—will provide critical information that providers and payers can use immediately to educate staff, update processes, and prepare for a successful ICD-10 implementation.”

The 3M ICD-10 Code Translation Tool offers easy-to-use menu-driven features that simplify the translation process. The software can be used to convert existing systems and software applications to ICD-10, or to create customized mappings for specific business needs. The 3M ICD-10 Code Translation Tool identifies all reasonable ICD-10 alternatives for the ICD-9 codes held in an information system, and performs automated mappings where a simple one-to-one map exists. The software then isolates the remaining complex codes and provides the user with reference data to assist in fine-tuning the final conversions to ICD-10.

3M Health Information Systems has over 15 years experience in developing and maintaining ICD-10 products and services around the world. 3M has assisted clients in Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other countries in converting ICD-9 based applications to ICD-10 with education and software tools. In the United States, under contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 3M developed the ICD-10 Procedure Coding System (PCS) and the General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), and produced the initial conversion of MS-DRGs to ICD-10.

More information about the 3M ICD-10 Code Translation Tool is available at www.3Mhis.com/i10Tool or by calling 800-367-2447.

About 3M Health Information Systems
3M Health Information Systems delivers comprehensive software and consulting services to help organizations worldwide improve documentation, quality, and financial performance across the healthcare continuum. 3M offers integrated solutions for transcription, speech recognition, clinical documentation improvement, documentation management, computer-assisted coding, quality, and revenue cycle management, effectively meeting the industry’s changing needs. With 25 years of healthcare experience and expertise, 3M works as a trusted and stable business partner to provide reliable implementation, training, and support services. For more information about 3M Health Information Systems products and services, visit www.3Mhis.com or call 800-367-2447.

3M is a trademark of the 3M Company.

Price Houns AssociatesMollie Houns, 952-920-6951or3M Public Relations and Corporate CommunicationsMary Clemens, 651-733-8806