Topic: HHS proposed rule sets ICD-10-CM implementation date for October 1, 2011
HIM Connection, August 26, 2008
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIM Connection!
The United States will be one step closer to implementing ICD-10-CM if the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed rule announced August 15 is finalized. The rule, which calls for an October 1, 2011 implementation date, is currently open for public comment until October 21, 5pm EST.
Once adopted, ICD-10-CM would accommodate a host of new diagnoses and procedures. Many view ICD-9-CM as outdated because the system is unable to expand. ICD-9-CM is able to contain only 17,000 codes whereas ICD-10-CM is able to contain 155,000. ICD-10-CM will also assist in the transition to EHRs because it will provide more detail in the electronic transaction. More detailed information will also help to identify specific health conditions, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and others, according to an August 15 HHS press release.
"Now is the right time to move forward with the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10," said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems in the HHS press release. "We recognize that the transition to ICD-10 will require some upfront costs, but each year of delay would create additional costs, both because of the limitations of ICD-9 and because of the need to employ the greater precision that ICD-10 codes provide to support value-based purchasing of health care and other initiatives. We will continue to work collaboratively across the health care system to ensure a smooth transition to use of the updated transaction standards and ICD-10."
In a separate proposed regulation, HHS has proposed adopting the updated X12 standard, Version 5010, and the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs standard, Version D.0, for electronic transactions, such as health care claims. Version 5010 is essential to use of the ICD-10-CM codes. Comments on this regulation are also due by 5pm EST on October 21.
To view both regulations, visit www.cms.hhs.gov/TransactionCodeSetsStands/02_TransactionsandCodeSetsRegulations.asp#TopOfPage.
To read the August 15 HHS press release, visit www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/2008.html.
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIM Connection!
Comments
0 comments on “Topic: HHS proposed rule sets ICD-10-CM implementation date for October 1, 2011 ”
Related Products
Most Popular
- Articles
-
- Q/A: Volume requirement for reporting hydration services
- Featured blog post: Nurses face felony charges after reporting physician to the Texas Medical Board
- Catch up on what's new with injections and infusions
- Identify potential Medicaid RAC target areas
- Topic: CMS, OESS post new security compliance review information, checklist
- HIPAA Q&A: Level of encryption needed for email
- Capturing all necessary codes for IUD insertion and removal can be challenging
- What does case-mix index mean to you?
- OB services: Coding inside and outside of the package
- QA:Coding multiple initial infusions
- E-mailed
-
- Q/A: Volume requirement for reporting hydration services
- Featured blog post: Nurses face felony charges after reporting physician to the Texas Medical Board
- HIPAA Q&A: Level of encryption needed for email
- Q&A: Follow CMS' coding guidelines when using modifier -25
- What does case-mix index mean to you?
- Catch up on what's new with injections and infusions
- CMS has reformulated payments for some bilateral procedures
- New conflicts of interest create new challenges
- Q/A. One injection code or two?
- ED-to-inpatient transfers are flawed with safety gaps
- Searched