HHS issues final rule for implementing ICD-10

The Department of Health and Human Services Thursday released its final rule to replace the ICD-9-CM code sets used to report health care diagnoses and procedures in electronic health care transactions. The new codes sets, known as ICD-10-CM/PCS, are expanded and more precise. Responding to hospitals’ concerns, the final rule calls for a compliance deadline of Oct. 1, 2013 – two years later than proposed. “This rule, which is integral to improving our nation’s diagnostic and procedure data, is welcome and long overdue,” said AHA Executive Vice President Rick Pollack. “And we’re grateful HHS decided to heed hospitals’ call for setting an aggressive but realistic implementation timeline that allows hospitals to plan and budget for the significant changes that will occur over the course of implementing ICD-10.” In a separate rule, HHS adopted for electronic transactions the updated X12 standard (Version 5010), which is needed to use the ICD-10 codes, and the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs standard (Version D.0). Both rules will be published in tomorrow’s Federal Register.