Release Date: Monday, December 3, 2012

The stakes are high for ICD-10. Fai lure to ful ly prepare by October 1, 2014 , will result in disruption to processing claims. There is little wonder why providers are taking preparat ion ser iously, which is why in 2011 near lytwo-thirds (65%) said they planned to use a third-par ty firm to assist them with their ICD- 10 readiness. Those plans have become a reality —nearly 110 survey respondents interviewed for this report mentioned using a total of 24 consulting firms for ICD-10 assessments and roadmaps, training, clinical documentation improvement (CDI ) initiatives, compliance, and ICD-10 implementations.