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Thousands of dermatologists poured into Washington, D.C. to learn about the latest advances, network with colleagues and discuss the field’s future.

For years, dermatologists, like all physicians, have been hammered with mandates, such as meaningful use and now value-based care. Trying to keep up with the constantly changing regulations may at times seem like a distraction away from the patients for which these policies were intended to benefit.

Well, folks… here we are. After years and years of political bickering, last minute delays, and long postponements, the final deadline for ICD-10 implementation in the United States is now less than two short weeks away.  There were lot of people who still thought it wouldn’t happen in 2015, and if some had their way it would still not be happening.  However, unless some kind of unexpected zero hour delay occurs between now and the October 1 deadline, ICD-10 is coming to a Dermatology practice near you (in fact, it’s coming to your Dermatology practice). It’s the Final Countdown, people! 

The United States is currently the only developed country in the world that is still using the outdated ICD-9-CM Volume III for diagnosis codes, electronic health records, and insurance claims. However, this is soon to change.  As of October 1st 2015, the official final deadline for ICD-10 implementation, insurance companies will no longer be accepting ICD-9 for diagnosis or procedure codes.  This means that all healthcare professionals must begin learning ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes now, especially as they apply to medical specialties.