In the August 22, 2008 Federal Register, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule that would replace ICD-9 code sets with ICD-10 code sets effective October 1, 2011. Developed 30 years ago, ICD-9 has just 17,000 codes and is expected to run out of space as early as 2009. The ICD-10 sets contain more than 155,000 codes, which can accommodate a variety of new diagnoses and procedures.
HHS has also issued a separate proposed rule that would require an updated version of HIPAA electronic standards (Version 5010) to replace the current standard (Version 4010/4010A1) by April 1, 2010. Adoption of Version 5010 is required to accommodate the much larger ICD-10 code sets.
To read the ICD-10 proposed rule, “HIPAA Administrative Simplification: Modifications to Medical Data Code Sets to Adopt ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS; Proposed Rule,” please visit http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-19298.pdf. To read the proposed rule to adopt Version 5010, “Health Insurance Reform; Modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Electronic Transaction Standard; Proposed Rule,” please visit http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-19296.pdf.
