But the deadline (this past Jan. 1) remains the same.
Back in November, you'll recall, CMS gave a break to practices who weren't ready to implement the new ASC X12 Version 5010 standards for HIPAA transaction security. They didn't push back the actual deadline -- but they did say they "would not initiate enforcement action until March 31, 2012."
Now here we are, mid-March, and 5010 has remained a sore point, with practice advocates calling for another extension. Today, March 15, they got one -- from CMS:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Office of E-Health Standards and Services (OESS) said it will not initiate enforcement action against any non-compliant entities for an additional three (3) months, through June 30, 2012, for updated HIPAA transaction standards (ASC X12 Version 5010, NCPDP Versions D.0 and 3.0).
Again, this is just a delay in enforcment. Technically, 5010 is still in effect. As with the previous roll-back, CMS encourages covered entities "to complete outstanding implementation activities including software installation, testing and training."
OESS says that, though in their view practices are doing great with 5010, they are "aware that there are still a number of outstanding issues and challenges impeding full implementation." And they expect that "transition statistics will reach 98 percent industry wide by the end of the enforcement discretion period."
To this end OESS is "is stepping up its existing outreach," in ways they say they'll reveal later. Meantime:
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The Medicare FFS program will continue to host separate provider calls to address outstanding issues related to Medicare programs and systems. The Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) will continue to work closely with clearinghouses, billing vendors or health care providers requiring assistance in submitting and receiving Version 5010 compliant transactions. If any entity is experiencing difficulty reaching a MAC, please contact Karen Jackson at Karen.Jackson1@cms.hhs.gov.
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The Medicaid program staff at CMS will continue to work with individual States regarding their program readiness. Issues related to implementation problems with the States may be sent to Medicaid5010@cms.hhs.gov.
See you all in three months!