Medical Documentation (transcription) & ICD-10

So much buzz out there with M-Modal’s crappy news.  It is sad to see US jobs lost to off-shore (again).  It is very frustrating, as well as devastating, for those affected.  Now more than ever, it is important for MTs, the ones who really want to stay in this industry, to educate and re-tool, and just be diverse!  Be ready for whatever comes our way.  However, we are believers in dictation because we are listening to our physician friends.  We hear what they are saying and we are listening to insurance auditors for major companies.  Increased documentation is coming;  it will be sink or swim for some and many experts believe the only way physicians will survive is to go back to dictating.  Take some time and read the articles below.  They contain interesting information on why we could see a push-back on dictation.  The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and ICD-10 are key reasons.  Then you have the physicians who are tired of the clerical roles they have had to assume with EHR.

“These new changes will increase the need for skilled medical transcription and medical coding”  Read More. 

“Whether you are an advocate or a detractor of Obamacare, we do know that it is going to dramatically increase the required amount of documentation. Secondly, we know that the buzzword for ICD-10 (beyond the other buzzword “PAIN”) is “specificity.”  Read more.

“Assuming those medical transcription companies that are here today are still on the scene on Oct. 1, 2013, not having been acquired or retired, (and there certainly are fewer and fewer of them!)  I believe they will enjoy increased dictation with the changeover from ICD-9 to ICD-10.”  Read more.

The Perfect Storm!  Opportunities!