On January 15, 2009, HHS released final rules that require the replacement of ICD-9-CM code sets with the ICD-10 code sets and implement version 5010 of the HIPAA transaction standards, which facilitate the adoption of electronic health records. The two rules work together. ICD-9 has 17,000 codes and is rapidly running out of new codes. ICD-10 is much more expansive and has 155,000 codes. The codes were scheduled to take effect in 2011, but the final rule delays the deadline for compliance until Oct. 1, 2013.
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