HHS Issues Proposed Rules
Implementing ICD-10 Code Sets

On Friday, August 15, 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a long-awaited proposed rule that, effective Oct. 1, 2011, would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets used to report health care diagnoses and procedures in electronic health care transactions with the greatly expanded ICD-10 code sets. In a separate proposed rule, HHS 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 needed to use the ICD-10 codes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will accept comments through Oct. 21 on both proposed rules, which will be posted on CMS' Web site.

Please see attached press release issued by the AHA in support of the rule.

The American Hospital Association's Central Office serves as the official U.S. Clearinghouse on medical coding for the proper use of the ICD-9-CM systems and Level I HCPCS (CPT-4 codes) for hospital providers and certain Level II HCPCS codes for hospitals, physicians and other health professionals.