I’m as big a fan of procrastination as anyone. In fact, it’s amazing how many things I can come up with to put off writing one of these columns. For example, I sit down to write, then realize my cup of coffee could use some topping off. And though I’m no neat freak, all of a sudden the dust on my keyboard is totally unacceptable. Of course, that means I’ve got to find one of those cans of air to blow out the nooks and crannies that my fingers never actually touch. After that, it’s time to clean the newly settled debris on my desk, just to make sure everything is perfect. Oh, am I hungry? I can’t have those pangs distracting me while I’m trying to be sagacious. Bio break? Yes, let’s get that out of the way so as not to have our eloquence interrupted. Eventually, I look at the clock, draw a mental line in the sand and swear that come hell or high water, I’ll be finished when the deadline strikes.
Great efforts (which these columns are to me) require great concentration, and our lazy natures would rather check FaceBook (not me) or review newly released audiobooks (me) than actually, ugh, think.
I feel like the industry has used up its allotted pre-ICD-10 procrastination time. The cup is full, the keyboard is clean, and, for good or ill, CMS has drawn a line in the sand for you. Aren’t they thoughtful?
What makes me think it’s time to get going? Well, there are more and more articles and columns being written on the subject, the government is providing more guidance on the transition, and those I interview are getting down to nitty gritty preparation. I say preparation rather than action because of the project’s nature — much like Y2K, no one has “been there, done that,” so it’s certainly an assignment calling for extensive homework. As such, ever-savvy healthcare CIOs are scanning the landscape, asking colleagues whey they are doing in the hopes of identifying some trends. Hopefully, they pray, at least some great minds will be found thinking alike.
Part of this homework is focused on finding out which department owns the transition and, drilling down, who (as in which title) within that department has the reins. But while there is everything to gain by acquiring this information, it cannot be mimicked blindly. That’s because, as we all know, title does not always equal competence.
CIOs are often handed projects that fall far from their traditional purview because they are consummate project managers — the nature of IT work makes this so. In fact, I doubt there is a more quintessential project than the clinical IT system implementation, with all its constituencies, moving parts and deadlines. Not everyone, regardless of title, excels at this timeline- and detail-oriented work. And few would argue that success is more likely when a true project manager is in charge of something they know little about than when a disorganized mind assumes control of something they know intimately.
How this plays out in practice is that the best keep getting “rewarded” for their efficiency with more things to do. This may be you, someone who works for you or a colleague (or it may be happening to all three). The result is an increased likelihood of burnout, with truly sad results.
Unless there’s a delay, which we cannot count on, ICD-10 is coming quickly to an overburdened IT shop near you. There is much danger here that, if merely placed into the lap of, let’s say, Sally, because, “she’s amazing and can do anything,” her barely manageable workload will immediately become insupportable.
It’s time to get down to business as it relates to ICD-10. Keep doing your homework, surveying the landscape, and forming a plan. Get some dates on paper and work towards them. Pick not only the most appropriate titles, but best suited people to head things up and SUPPORT THEM PROPERLY. If healthcare organizations are to handle the ridiculously heavy burdens being placed upon them, it will only be done by delicately balancing those burdens with available resources. ICD-10 will brook no further dallying — it’s time to sit down and get to work.
PS: If you’re attending the CHIME Fall Forum, I’ll be moderating a Town Hall discussion on ICD-10. Come by Wednesday, Oct. 26 @ 4:15 to get your questions answered and hear some best practices.
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