ICD-10 Codes Required on Opioid Prescriptions Starting December 29

(December 15, 2017) Starting December 29, 2017, prescribers are required to include the ICD-10 code on prescriptions for opioids to treat acute pain. The diagnosis/procedure code requirements for all other controlled substances go into effect on June 1, 2018.

It is important to note Paragraph (K) of the rule 4729-5-30 permits the processing of a prescription without the diagnosis code. If the code is not provided the pharmacy must indicate "NC" when reporting the diagnosis procedure code to OARRS.

Additionally, except in limited circumstances, prescribers can no longer transmit prescriptions using a transmission system that converts the prescription into a computer-generated fax or scanned image.

If you have not yet confirmed that your EMR and/or e-prescribing vendor(s) can support automated placement of the ICD-10 code on prescriptions, is it strongly suggested that you contact them immediately. If your EMR system is not able to automate the code by the deadline, the Pharmacy Board advises you to add the ICD-10 numbers into the comment section on the prescription or write it in manually.

State Medical Board of Ohio

Guidance on Issuing a Valid Prescription

Written, Faxed, and Electronic Prescriptions