Discussions of ICD-9 and ICD-10 often include mention of the terms dual processing and dual coding. Different people use these terms to mean different things, but in general, dual coding or processing refers to the use of ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes at the same time. So, when can you expect to use dual coding and processing and when can’t you?nnTesting to Prepare for ICD-10nDual coding and dual processing can be useful tools to prepare for ICD-10 by testing whether you are able to prepare, send, receive, and process transactions with ICD-10. However, ICD-10 can be used for testing purposes only before the compliance date; providers and payers cannot use ICD-10 in “live” transactions for dates of service before the ICD-10 compliance date.nnDual Coding and Dual Processing After the Compliance DatenFollowing the ICD-10 compliance date, providers and payers must use:n
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- ICD-9 in transactions for services provided before the compliance date
- ICD-10 in transactions for services provided on or after the compliance date
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nWhile providers and payers must be able to use both ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes after the compliance date to accommodate backlogs in claims and other transactions, they will not be able to choose to use either ICD-9 or ICD-10 for a given transaction. The date of service determines whether ICD-9 or ICD-10 is to be used.nnWhen Is the ICD-10 Compliance Date?nThe Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has released a final rule that included a new compliance date that would require the use of ICD-10 beginning October 1, 2015. The new compliance date gives providers an extra year to prepare. The final rule also requires the continued use of ICD-9 for services provided through September 30, 2015.