August 11, 2015

Dear Valued ACL Client,

As you know, the healthcare industry transition from ICD-9 diagnosis codes to the ICD-10 system is required for everyone covered by the Health Insurance Portability Act (HIPAA). American Clinical Laboratories (ACL) is actively working to provide seamless and helpful transition to the ICD-10 system for all of our clients for laboratory services.

American Clinical Laboratories will be ready to receive ICD-10 codes for dates of service on or after October 1, 2015.

After September 30, 2015, no ICD-9 codes should be submitted. If you are submitting orders online, ACL Online will help facilitate correct data entry by requesting the appropriate code. It is imperative that you choose the most specific ICD-10 code to avoid a potential increase of denials from health plans, including those appropriate for age and gender of your patients.

When submitting scheduled or standing orders, it is necessary to provide a valid ICD-9 AND ICD-10 diagnosis code with a scheduled or standing order that requires the patient to obtain laboratory services before and after the new ICD-10 implementation date of October 1, 2015. The order cannot be completed after October 1, 2015 without a valid code. A member of our client services team will be sending out a specific package to address clients will current standing orders that need to be updated. We will walk you through the process of updating already submitted standing orders. Starting September 1, you will need to submit both ICD-9 and ICD-10 on your standing order and then after September 30th, you will only be required to submit an ICD-10 diagnosis code.

ACL is committed to providing you timely access to information and resources about the ICD-10 transition. We have created a resource page with references, FAQs and Common Code Reference Sheets. Please go to www.amclabs.com/ICD10.

Sincerely,

Dr. Arun K. Khanna
President/CEO
American Clinical Laboratories