Adoption of ICD-10 Code Sets and Updated Electronic Transaction Standards by HHS

HHS announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses with expanded ICD-10 code sets, effective October 1, 2011.

The ICD-10 code sets will enable HHS to support quality reporting, pay-for-performance, bio-surveillance, and other activities.

HHS also proposed regulations adopting the updated X12 standard, Version 5010 for electronic transactions (health care claims). Compliance with Version 5010 would be required by April 1, 2010.

Conversion to ICD-10 is essential to the development of a nationwide electronic health information environment, and the updated X12 transaction standards are critical in the implementation of these new codes.