iHealthBeat: Data Standards

Standards Committee Discusses Elements of NwHIN Governance

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Health IT Standards Committee recently discussed the creation of a governance structure for the Nationwide Health Information Network. Panel members talked about conditions for trusted exchange and NwHIN validated entities. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

Groups Comment on Identifier Proposals for Health Plans, Providers

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Medical Group Management Association has offered input on CMS' planned implementation of Health Plan Identifiers, while the Federation of American Hospitals has raised concerns about a proposal on National Provider Identifiers. FierceHealthIT, Health Data Management.

Oregon Launches New Statewide Health Information Exchange

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Oregon Health Authority has contracted with Harris Healthcare Solutions to launch a statewide health information exchange. Officials say the data exchange will improve communication, reduce duplicate orders and support meaningful use requirements. CMIO et al.

ACP, WEDI Offer Input on Proposed Delay for ICD-10 Compliance

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American College of Physicians called for HHS to use its proposed ICD-10 compliance delay to consider transitioning to different coding standards. The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange recommended against having staggered ICD-10 compliance dates. CMIO.

Hospital Group Voices Cautious Support for Delayed ICD-10 Deadline

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Federation of American Hospitals said the proposed delay to the ICD-10 compliance deadline is appropriate. The Medical Group Management Association-American College of Medical Practice Executives also offered input on the delay. Modern Healthcare, Modern Physician.

AHA Expresses Support for Proposed Delay for ICD-10 Compliance

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a letter to CMS, the American Hospital Association voiced its support for the proposed one-year delay to the ICD-10 compliance deadline. AHA said organizations should use the extra time to conduct "extensive testing" of the coding system. Becker's Hospital Review, AHA News.

Texas Physicians Urge HHS To Forgo Shift to ICD-10 Coding System

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the Texas Medical Association called for the federal government to skip the transition to ICD-10 code sets. Instead, TMA suggested that the U.S. wait to implement ICD-11 code sets or adopt SNOMED-CT standards. Modern Healthcare.

AMA Calls for Further Delay to ICD-10 Compliance Deadline

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Medical Association recently submitted comments asking CMS to delay the ICD-10 compliance deadline by two years -- to Oct. 1, 2015 -- instead of finalizing the recently proposed one-year delay. AMA said that if stakeholders cannot reach a consensus on ICD-10 during the two-year extension, "then the move to ICD-10 should be postponed indefinitely." Modern Healthcare.

Report Sees Growth, Challenges in Health Data Exchange Market

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new Chilmark Research report notes that the proposed rule for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program and payment changes are driving growth in the health information exchange market. However, challenges to more robust HIE remain. Healthcare IT News, FierceHealthIT.

ONC Must Go Further To Achieve Flexibility in its 2014 Edition

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's proposed rule outlining standards and criteria for the certification of EHRs under the meaningful use program is a step in the right direction, but it doesn't go far enough in creating true flexibility.

New Final Rules Update Technical Standards for E-Prescribing Program

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, CMS issued two final rules designed to ease regulatory burdens on health care providers. One of the rules includes a provision stating that CMS has retired older versions of technical standards for the Medicare electronic prescribing program. Modern Healthcare et al.

Groups Offer Input on Proposed Delay for ICD-10 Compliance

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Health Information Management Association recently announced that it opposes delaying the ICD-10 compliance deadline but that if such a delay is inevitable, it should be limited to one year. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives said HHS' proposed one-year delay is an appropriate "middle ground." Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

When Do Health Care Providers Plan To Buy Computer-Assisted Coding Technology?

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

About 21% of surveyed health care providers already have purchased computer-assisted coding systems, and 33% plan to purchase such systems in 2012, according to a KLAS report. Many health care providers say they are buying such systems to prepare for the transition to ICD-10 code sets.

Driving Interoperable Health Data Exchange Under HITECH

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Recent federal regulations -- including the Stage 2 meaningful use and 2014 electronic health record standards and certification proposed rules -- are advancing HITECH's vision for an interoperable, nationwide health information network that improves the quality and efficiency of health care.

Many Health Providers Plan To Buy Software To Help With ICD-10 Shift

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Nearly half of respondents to a KLAS survey say they plan to buy computer-assisted coding software within the next two years to help them transition to ICD-10 code sets. About 21% of surveyed health care providers said they already use such systems. Health Data Management et al.

Organization Releases New Version of Adverse Event Reporting System

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

ECRI Institute Patient Safety Organization recently unveiled the latest version of its adverse event collection and reporting system. Member organizations can submit data manually or import information from their own adverse event reporting systems. CMIO, Healthcare IT News.

New Leader, New Plan, New EHR Initiative for Cal eConnect

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The success of California's health information exchange depends in part on the coordination and guidance of Cal eConnect and its energetic new CEO, Laura Landry. She said California is "on the verge of a breakthrough" in health information exchange.

Group To Collect Input, Track Issues Related to HIPAA 5010 Upgrade

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange has launched an effort to support the health care industry's transition to HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. The campaign includes a series of live webcasts and an online system to track implementation issues. Modern Healthcare et al.

Organizations React to HHS' Proposed Delay for ICD-10 Compliance

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some groups have praised HHS' proposal to delay the compliance deadline for ICD-10 code sets to Oct. 1, 2014, but the American Health Information Management Association has urged health care organizations to adopt ICD-10 standards as soon as possible. HealthLeaders Media et al.

Moving Federal Health Care Targets Becoming a Way of Life

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last month, CMS pushed back for the second time the enforcement date for the transition to HIPAA 5010 transaction sets. Observers say the delay -- as well the extension for ICD-10 implementation-- raises questions about the validity of future federal deadlines.

HHS Proposes Delaying ICD-10 Compliance Until October 2014

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, HHS released a proposed rule that calls for delaying the ICD-10 compliance deadline by one year, to Oct. 1, 2014. The proposed rule also includes a provision to assign a unique health plan identifier number to all health insurers. The proposal aims to make it easier for health care organizations to use computer systems for administrative functions. Modern Healthcare et al.

VA, Pentagon Eye 3M's Health Data Dictionary for Joint EHR Project

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

To standardize terminology for their joint integrated electronic health record project, the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs might be planning to use 3M's Health Data Dictionary. A final contract has not been made public. Government Health IT, FierceHealthIT.

Becoming Accountable: Delivering Value-Based Care Through Optimal Use of IT and Data

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The two most crucial drivers of the transformation to accountable care at Dean Health System have been the effective use of technology and data to drive decisions and motivate change. While we still have much further to go, our experiences offer lessons that likely will shape the future of health care.

CMS Releases Fact Sheet on Preparing for the HIPAA 5010 Transition

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has released a fact sheet aimed at helping health care providers transition to HIPAA 5010 transaction sets. The fact sheet recommends that health care providers establish a HIPAA 5010 transition plan and communicate regularly with software vendors. CMIO, FierceHealthIT.

ICD-10 Compliance Delay Could Be Beneficial, Article Argues

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An article published in the journal Health Affairs argues that HHS' recent delay of the ICD-10 compliance deadline will benefit health care organizations. The article's authors cite several drawbacks to ICD-10 implementation and recommend that federal officials manage the ICD-10 delay in a way that supports the gradual transition to ICD-11 standards. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

WEDI Survey Finds Low Levels of Readiness for ICD-10 Transition

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange submitted the results of its latest ICD-10 readiness survey to CMS. According to WEDI, the survey finds that many health care providers, health plans and other health care industry stakeholders would not have been prepared to meet HHS' original October 2013 deadline for transitioning to ICD-10 code sets. Modern Healthcare et al.

CMS To Delay Enforcement of HIPAA 5010 by 3 More Months

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, CMS' Office of E-Health Standards and Services announced that it would wait until after June 30 to start taking enforcement action against health care entities that fail to comply with HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. The three-month delay in the HIPAA 5010 enforcement date comes after CMS previously delayed the enforcement date from Jan. 1 to March 31. Modern Healthcare.

White House Names Todd Park as New Chief Technology Officer

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the White House announced that President Obama will appoint HHS Chief Technology Officer Todd Park to serve as the country's second CTO. Park replaces Aneesh Chopra, who stepped down from the post in January. Prior to joining HHS, Park co-founded health IT firm athenahealth and worked at Booz Allen & Hamilton. Modern Healthcare, "White House Blog."

Private-Sector Insurers Tap Health IT To Support Accountable Care

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health plans have embraced the concept of value-based payment models. As part of that push, insurers such as Aetna and UnitedHealth Group have made substantial investments in health IT to support these new payment designs.

MGMA Urges HHS To Test Costs, Benefits of ICD-10 Implementation

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Medical Group Management Association sent a letter recommending several steps that HHS should take before requiring nationwide compliance with ICD-10 code sets, such as conducting a cost-benefit analysis. Health Data Management et al.

Deadline Delay Would Not Improve ICD-10 Readiness, Survey Finds

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Edifecs, which develops tools to aid in the ICD-10 transition, has released a survey finding that about 64% of health care professionals do not believe a delay in the ICD-10 compliance deadline will improve readiness for the new code sets. Healthcare IT News, Edifecs release.

CMS Seeks Feedback on Potential Clinical Quality Measures for Stage 2

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As it works to finalize clinical quality reporting measures for Stage 2 of the meaningful use incentive program, CMS is seeking public input on 125 potential clinical quality measures for physicians and 49 potential clinical quality measures for hospitals. Government Health IT.

CHIME Calls for HHS To Act Quickly on Setting New ICD-10 Deadline

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives recently sent a letter urging HHS to quickly set a new compliance date for implementing ICD-10 codes and avoid staggered deadlines for different segments of the health care industry. Healthcare IT News et al.

Experts Discuss ICD-10 Delay, Stage 2 of Meaningful Use

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During the first day of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's 2012 conference in Las Vegas, representatives of two health IT groups called for health care providers to continue working toward ICD-10 implementation. Also at the conference, experts discussed Stage 2 of the meaningful use program, health IT usability and other issues. Government Health IT et al.

NIST Asking Vendors To Submit EHR Systems for Research on Usability

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is asking vendors to send electronic health record products to the agency so it can develop a framework for evaluating EHR usability. Interested vendors must submit their products by March 15. Government Health IT, NextGov.

HHS To Begin Process To Delay ICD-10 Compliance Deadline

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced that HHS will start the process to delay the compliance deadline for transitioning to ICD-10 code sets. According to Sebelius, the agency made its decision after hearing health care providers' concerns about the compliance date. HHS has yet to announce a new timeline for the ICD-10 transition. Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog" et al.

Former FDA Chief, Panel Discuss Health Care Technology Innovation

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Former FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach and other health care leaders discussed health technology innovation at a GE conference this week. The panelists questioned how FDA regulations will affect the growth of health technology. Washington Post.

CMS' Plan To Reconsider ICD-10 Timeline Draws Mixed Reviews

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

While some health care stakeholders praised acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner's recent comments that CMS would reconsider the ICD-10 implementation timeline, others expressed concerns about delaying the Oct. 1, 2013, deadline to adopt ICD-10 code sets. HealthLeaders Media et al.

Tavenner Says CMS Will Review ICD-10 Implementation Timeline

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner indicated that CMS could delay the transition to the ICD-10 coding system. The American Medical Association has criticized the switch to ICD-10 code sets, saying the health care industry already is overburdened by requirements under the federal health reform law and health IT incentive programs. Modern Healthcare et al.

eHealth Initiative Report Offers Recommendations for ACO Infrastructures

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The eHealth Initiative recommends that accountable care organizations develop health IT infrastructures that can support changing priorities, foster care coordination between providers and patients and promote secure exchange of personal health data. Healthcare IT News.

EHR Data Not Ready for Prime Time, Studies Show

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Several federal health care programs rely on electronic health record data for publicly reported quality measurement and performance-based payments, but findings from recent studies may cast doubt on the reliability of that data.

Standards Group Delays Push for Next Generation of HIPAA 5010

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American National Standards Institute's Accredited Standards Committee X12 said it will hold off on recommending the adoption of the next generation of HIPAA 5010 transaction sets, called HIPAA 6020. ASC X12 said it hopes to reassure the health care industry that HIPAA 5010 standards will have time to mature before HIPAA 6020 implementation begins. Modern Healthcare, Health Data Management.

AMA Executive Sends Another Letter in Effort To Halt ICD-10 Rollout

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

American Medical Association Executive Vice President and CEO James Madara has sent a letter urging HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to block implementation of the ICD-10 coding system. Madara recently sent a similar letter to House Speaker John Boehner. Modern Healthcare et al.

MGMA Executive Urges HHS To Address HIPAA 5010 Challenges

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Medical Group Management Association President and CEO Susan Turney has sent a letter calling for HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to address several challenges health care providers are facing as they work to adopt HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. The letter reiterated MGMA's request for CMS to delay enforcement of HIPAA 5010 standards until June. Modern Healthcare et al.

CMS Posts Central-Line Infection Data to its Hospital Compare Site

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Data on central line-associated infections in intensive care units have been added to CMS' Hospital Compare website, which aims to help consumers compare various data on hospital quality. The agency will add information on surgical-site and urinary tract infections next year. Salt Lake City Deseret News et al.

AHIMA Calls for Health Industry To Keep Up Transition to ICD-10

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Health Information Management Association is urging the health care industry to continue its efforts to implement ICD-10 code sets. AHIMA's statement comes shortly after American Medical Association CEO and Executive Vice President James Madara sent a letter asking House Speaker John Boehner to block ICD-10 implementation. Health Data Management, CMIO.

AMA Executive Calls for House Speaker Boehner To Block ICD-10 Rollout

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

James Madara -- executive vice president and CEO of the American Medical Association -- has asked House Speaker John Boehner to stop the rollout of the ICD-10 coding system. Madara argues that the transition will burden the U.S. health care system. Modern Healthcare.

Most Providers in Early Stages of Implementing ICD-10, Survey Finds

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Most health care provider organizations remain in the planning stages of the transition to ICD-10 billing codes, according to a report published in the journal Perspectives in Health Information Management. The report identifies common trends, challenges and lessons. CMIO.

Experts Debate Doctor-Patient Emailing, Use of Universal Patient IDs

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a recent Wall Street Journal special section on health care, experts offered opposing opinions on various issues, such as whether physicians should email with their patients and whether the U.S. should implement universal patient identifier numbers. Wall Street Journal.

HITRUST Announces Update of Health IT Security Framework

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Health Information Trust Alliance has released an updated version of its Common Security Framework, adding 12 new security measures and removing one. HITRUST said the changes reflect trends in data privacy and security threats facing the health care industry. Modern Healthcare.

AHIMA Launches Online Courses To Help Prepare for Rollout of ICD-10

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Health Information Management Association is offering online courses to help health IT professionals at various expertise levels prepare for the switch to the ICD-10 coding system. The courses will assist professionals at different stages of implementation. CMIO.

HHS Rule Aims To Streamline Electronic Transfer of Funds

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, HHS issued an interim final rule outlining standards for the electronic transfer of funds in the health care industry. The new rule calls for using trace numbers to link medical claims with payments from health plans. HHS predicted that the standards would reduce health care administrative costs by $4.5 billion over the next 10 years. Modern Healthcare, Healthcare IT News.

MGMA Seeks Six-Month Delay for Compliance With HIPAA 5010

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Medical Group Management Association is calling on CMS to delay by six months the Jan. 1, 2012, compliance deadline for HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. MGMA cites a new survey that found many stakeholders are unprepared to meet the compliance date. About 80% of survey respondents say they have not completed testing with commercial payers. Health Data Management et al.

Many Doctors Relying on Claims Clearinghouses for Shift to HIPAA 5010

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new KLAS report finds that many office-based physicians are not preparing for the transition to HIPAA 5010 transaction sets. More than half of those who responded to the KLAS survey said they are relying on their claims clearinghouses to handle the change. Modern Healthcare.

States Making Progress in Tracking Diseases Electronically, but More Work Remains

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Kathleen Gallagher of CDC, Kathryn Turner of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and Sara Cody of the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health spoke with iHealthBeat about states' progress in electronic disease tracking and the remaining obstacles.

Audit: N.C. Medicaid Claims System Overhaul Delayed, Over Budget

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

North Carolina lawmakers recently questioned state officials about delays in overhauling the state's Medicaid claims system. An audit finds the project's cost has nearly doubled and its launch is 22 months behind schedule. AP/Winston-Salem Journal, Raleigh News & Observer.

Data Access Crucial to Performance Measure Use, According to Report

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A National Quality Forum report states that the availability of patient data is the most important factor affecting how health care providers use performance measures. The report cites ways to maximize the use of such measures. Modern Healthcare, National Quality Forum release.

MLR Rule Details How Insurers Must Account for ICD-10 Costs

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Under the federal government's newly released final rule on medical-loss ratio requirements, ICD-10 conversion costs that account for up to 0.3% of an insurer's premium revenue can be counted as quality improvement activities. Additional costs for ICD-10 maintenance and claims adjudication would count as administrative costs under the final MLR rule. Health Data Management et al.

Cloud-Based Platforms Beat Out CDs for Data Sharing, Report Finds

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Chilmark Research report sponsored by a cloud platform vendor finds that cloud-based systems are more effective than physical media such as CDs for sharing patient data, in part because cloud-based technology allows for real-time collaboration. Health Data Management.

Groups Seek To Create Rules on Electronic Claims Transactions

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Health Level Seven International and the American National Standards Institute's Accredited Standards Committee X12 recently asked to be jointly designated as the entity to develop operating rules for electronic HIPAA claims attachment transactions. Health Data Management.

Groups Take Issue With AMA Vote To Block ICD-10 Rollout

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Health Information Management Association and home health coding firm Daymarck have released statements criticizing a recent vote by the American Medical Association's House of Delegates to "work vigorously" to block ICD-10 implementation. Meanwhile, an AMA official said the association's Board of Trustees has limited resources to carry out the directive. Modern Healthcare et al.

Web-Based Guide Aims To Help Officials Build Health Data Exchanges

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and the eHealth Initiative recently released "The HIE Guide for CIOs." The Web-based resource aims to provide support and guidance to IT executives as they establish health information exchanges. CMIO, Modern Healthcare.

Standards Panel Seeks Feedback From Those Using NwHIN Exchange

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Health IT Standards Committee is seeking input from entities with experience implementing standards for the Nationwide Health Information Network. The panel is interested in which standards have been implemented and why. Government Health IT.

AMA Votes To Work 'Vigorously' To Stop ICD-10 Implementation

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the American Medical Association's House of Delegates voted to "work vigorously" to block the transition to ICD-10 code sets. AMA President Peter Carmel said that implementing ICD-10 code sets would overburden medical practices that are trying to meet new requirements under the federal health reform law and the meaningful use program. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Data Could Be King in Reformed Health Care System

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The unfettered distribution of health information could mean better, more timely care and could be invaluable for public health efforts. But in California's complex and multitiered health system, that's easier desired than done.

Coalition Unveils Two Standards for Health Information Exchange

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A coalition of seven states and 11 health IT vendors has developed standard technical specifications for health information exchange. The standards are designed to facilitate data sharing and improve clinicians' ability to search for specific information. InformationWeek et al.

WEDI Survey: Health Organizations Making Slow Progress on ICD-10

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange survey finds that many health plans and health care providers do not expect to be ready for ICD-10 testing until after January 2013. However, many software vendors expect to finish testing in 2012. Healthcare IT News, Fierce Health IT.

New Online Tools Aim To Help Physicians With E-Transactions

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Medical Association has launched an online community featuring toolkits and webinars to help health care providers learn how to submit claims electronically and comply with HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. The community, called the Paperless Practice Group, aims to spur dialogue about electronic claims. Health Data Management, American Medical News.

Council Releases Two Standards on Sharing of Pharmacy Claims Data

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs released the Uniform Healthcare Payer Data Standard and the Retiree Drug Subsidy Standard. The standards aim to support the exchange of pharmacy claims data. Health Data Management, Modern Healthcare.

KLAS Report: Progress Remains Slow in Shift to ICD-10 Code Sets

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from research firm KLAS finds that less than 10% of health care providers are more than halfway along in their transition to ICD-10 code sets. According to the report, 8% of health care providers have not yet started ICD-10 preparations. Healthcare IT News, CMIO.

MGMA Urges HHS To Make Contingency Plan for HIPAA 5010 Shift

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Medical Group Management Association is urging HHS to allow health plans to adjudicate claims that might lack some of the data required for HIPAA 5010 transaction sets. MGMA said health care providers have encountered delays in testing the HIPAA 5010 standards. Healthcare IT News et al.

College of Physicians Proposes Rule To Guard Human Research Data

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American College of Physicians is proposing a privacy rule that aims to ensure the privacy of personal data used for research purposes. The proposal is part of a paper that offers recommendations for improving security of human research subject data. Healthcare IT News.

Panel Warns Against Including Metadata in Meaningful Use Stage 2

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a letter to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics warned that there are too many unknowns to require the use of metadata standards in Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. Health Data Management.

Policy Panel Wants To Make Secondary Use of EHR Data Easier

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Health IT Policy Committee is recommending that the use of electronic health record data for treatment purposes or to evaluate safety, quality and effectiveness of care not require patient consent or institutional review board approval. Health Data Management.

FDA Seeks Increased Transparency Through Greater Access to Data

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

FDA has released for public comment eight draft proposals designed to increase access to compliance and enforcement data. The move is part of an ongoing federal effort to make certain public information more accessible. Nashville Business Journal, CMIO.

By Segment, What Percentage of Facilities Have Begun ICD-10 Implementation Planning?

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Nearly eighty-six percent of inpatient organizations have started implementation planning for the transition to ICD-10 code sets, while about half of other health care provider settings have done so, according to a survey of members of the American Health Information Management Association.

AHIMA Keynote Speaker Urges Providers To Push Forward on ICD-10 Shift

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

T. Bedirhan Ustun, an official with the World Health Organization, delivered a keynote address at the American Health Information Management Association conference and urged health care organizations to move forward with the transition to ICD-10 medical code sets. CMIO et al.

Mostashari: Panel Should Push Forward on Exchange Standards

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari recently urged the Health IT Standards Committee to push forward on releasing national standards to facilitate health data exchange. The standards panel also unveiled a subcommittee report with recommendations for health data exchange standards, services and policies. Government Health IT, Modern Healthcare.

Groups Urge ONC Not To Include Metadata Standards in Stage 2

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and the American Hospital Association have sent letters asking the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT not to include metadata standards in Stage 2 meaningful use criteria. Modern Healthcare et al.

AHIMA: More Health Providers Preparing for ICD-10 Transition

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Eighty-five percent of respondents to an American Health Information Management Association survey said their health care organization has started working on its transition to ICD-10 code sets, up from 62% of respondents in last year's survey. Eighteen percent of survey respondents said their organization has an ICD-10 implementation budget. Government Health IT, Modern Healthcare.

ONC Announces Soft Launch of Initiative on Segmenting EHR Data

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has announced the soft launch of its Data Segmentation Initiative, which aims to help health care providers exchange elements of an electronic health record while segregating certain sensitive data. Modern Healthcare et al.

CMS Publishes ICD-10 Transition Guide for Health Care Providers

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has released a seven-page guide to help health care providers implement the new ICD-10 code sets by Oct. 1, 2013. The guide offers information on coding specificity requirements and submitting claims for services that span the transition dates. Modern Healthcare, CMIO.

Surescripts Network Supports E-Prescribing of Controlled Substances

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Surescripts recently announced that it has upgraded its electronic prescribing network to support the e-prescribing of controlled substances. Surescripts also has started certifying software vendors and pharmacy applications for the e-prescribing of such drugs. InformationWeek.

CMS Posts Guides To Help Care Providers Plan HIPAA, ICD-10 Changes

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has launched a website outlining for health care-related entities the appropriate timelines to adopt HIPAA 5010 and ICD-10 standards. The information suggests how to manage the execution of the new standards and can be downloaded. Government Health IT.

VA Launches Online Open-Source Agent for VistA EHR System

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched an open-source community for its VistA electronic health record system. The Department of Defense and VA also plan to follow an open-source approach for their joint EHR system. Federal Computer Week, Government Health IT.

ONC Launches Pilot To Establish Standards for EHR Data Queries

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has launched the Query Health Initiative to establish standards for requesting data from sources such as electronic health records. The initiative is one of two ONC pilots aimed at testing recommendations on metadata standards. As part of the project, ONC is seeking members for three work groups. Health Data Management.

HIMSS EHR Association Urges CMS To Change Data Submission Rules

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's Electronic Health Record Association is asking CMS to amend a proposal requiring patient-level data in the electronic reporting of clinical quality measures. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

AHA Offers Feedback on Interim Rule for Digital Medical Transactions

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Hospital Association has sent a letter to CMS encouraging the agency to quickly finalize an interim final rule on health plan eligibility and electronic claims transactions. AHA also called for the inclusion of an "acknowledgments rule." AHA News, Modern Healthcare.

State, Federal Health Data Exchange Efforts Heat Up

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Health information exchange is key to improving care coordination, lowering costs and boosting care quality. The health information superhighway is being built, rules of the road are being developed through a policy framework and standards are being refined.

HHS Looks for Help With Standards To Improve Care in Certain Settings

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

HHS is seeking help from vendors to examine what data are used for patient assessments in nursing homes, in-home care and behavioral health care settings. The agency also is seeking input on how health IT standards could improve care coordination. Government Health IT.

Experts: Cloud-Based EHRs Require Unique Security Considerations

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, experts at an American Health Information Management Association summit in Chicago said that health care organizations should consider possible privacy and security risks when storing electronic health record data on cloud-based systems. InformationWeek.

ONC Plans Two Pilots To Test Recommendations on Metadata Standards

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will launch two pilot programs to test recommendations on certain metadata standards for health information exchange. Metadata standards could become part of the requirements for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. Modern Healthcare et al.

Standards Committee Endorses Set of EHR Vocabulary Standards

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Health IT Standards Committee has endorsed vocabulary standards and a guide for implementing the standards for specific quality reporting measures. The panel will call for the inclusion of the standards in Stage 2 of meaningful use. Government Health IT.

CDC Creating Guides for Electronic Reporting of Health Care Infections

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CDC is developing a set of guides to help health care facilities implement a standard for electronically reporting data on health care-associated infections to CDC's national safety network. The agency is seeking a vendor to help it develop the new guides. Government Health IT.

RWJF Comments on CMS' Proposed Rule for Claims Data Reports

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has sent CMS a letter commenting on the agency's proposed rule to open up access to Medicare claims data. In the letter, the foundation urges CMS to minimize hurdles and maximize the availability of Medicare data. Health Data Management.

CMS Urges Health Care Providers To Partake in HIPAA 5010 Test Week

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CMS is encouraging Medicare fee-for-service providers to participate in the National 5010 Testing Week later this month. During that week, participants will be able to test their software's compliance with HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. Modern Healthcare et al.

ONC Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Metadata Standards

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is requesting public comment on a newly released advance notice of proposed rulemaking about the use of metadata standards to support health data exchange. The notice outlines a scenario in which metadata standards could be attached to a patient's summary of care record. The comment period ends Sept. 23. Modern Healthcare et al.

The Sky Is Falling: Reports Criticize Health IT Security Standards and Enforcement

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Two recent reports from HHS' Office of Inspector General that raised concerns about the security of electronic health data are outdated and fail to take into account statutory obligations and recent enforcement actions.

Researcher: Medical Device Data Could Be Target of Hackers

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Medical devices increasingly are being outfitted with the ability to transmit health care data wirelessly. One researcher warns that hackers could take advantage of security flaws and cause serious harm to those who use the devices. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.

Report: Conversion to ICD-10 Raising Cost, Progress Concerns

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A survey of health care leaders finds that 84% of respondents have started transitioning to ICD-10 code sets but that only 29% said they have moved beyond the assessment phase. About 38% said they had no estimate of how much the shift would cost. CMIO, HealthLeaders Media.