HHS proposes rule to delay implementation of ICD-10 by a year

The Department of Health and Human Services announced last week a proposed rule that would delay required compliance by one year–from Oct. 1, 2013, to Oct. 1, 2014–for new codes used to classify diseases and health problems. The codes, known as the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition diagnosis and procedure codes, or ICD-10, include new procedures and diagnoses and are intended to improve information available for quality control and payment purposes. Many medical providers have expressed concerns about meeting the Oct. 1, 2013, compliance date.