CMS announced on March 15 that it would once again postpone the enforcement of HIPAA 5010 for three months. CMS initially called for enforcement by the start of 2012 but delayed it until March. The most recent postponement extends to June 30, 2012.
Although Medicare Fee-for-Service and commercial plans report receiving a high percentage of claims in the 5010 format, many implementation challenges and issues remain, according to the statement released by CMS' Office of E-Health Standards and Services (OESS).
OESS urges the industry to collaborate on "appropriate strategies to resolve remaining problems," and notes that it will team up with various groups to overcome implementation barriers. OESS hopes a technical assistance initiative, to be launched in the coming weeks, will provide additional support for groups struggling with HIPAA 5010 compliance.