Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced a proposed rule that would delay required compliance by 1 year—from October 1, 2013, to October 1, 2014—for new codes used to classify diseases and health problems. These codes, known as the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition diagnosis and procedure codes, or ICD-10, will include new procedures and diagnoses and improve the quality of information available for quality improvement and payment purposes.
Many provider groups have expressed serious concerns about their ability to meet the 2013 compliance date. The proposed change in the compliance date for ICD-10 would give providers and other covered entities more time to prepare and fully test their systems to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition to these new code sets.
