Obama admin could freeze recent ICD-10 transition delay

The extension of the ICD-10 implementation date issued last week by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could be delayed, as the White House proceeds with a review of any new or pending regulations issued under the Bush administration.

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel released a memorandum to “put a hold on all regulations that have either not been published or those that have not yet taken legal effect,” according to Health IT Strategist.

Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has yet to produce a list of the affected regulations, there is speculation that at least four recent rulemakings could be put on hold, including HHS’ final rule for transitioning to the ICD-10 code set.

The final rule for implementing ICD-10 CM and ICD-10 PCS was issued Jan. 15, however, the rule itself “doesn’t become effective until March 17, which means the ICD-10 regulation would fall within this additional layer of review” by the White House, said Don May, vice president for policy with the American Hospital Association (AHA), reported Health IT Strategist.

ICD-10’s compliance deadline was extended until Oct. 1, 2013.

Other recent rules that may be put on hold include an interim final rule to restart the CMS’ competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies.

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