Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule that delays required compliance by one year– from Oct. 1, 2013, to Oct. 1, 2014– for new codes used to classify diseases and health problems. These codes, known as the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition diagnosis and procedure codes, or ICD-10, will include new procedures and diagnoses and improve the quality of information available for quality improvement and payment purposes. The proposed rule establishes...

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released new proposed rules today that would save hospitals and health care providers nearly $1.1 billion each year. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius explained that the proposals "eliminate unnecessary and obsolete standards and free up resources," thus allowing providers and hospitals to focus on patient care. One proposed rule would update the Medicare Conditions of Participation, the rules for hospitals that treat Medicare and Medicaid patients. Another NPRM would eliminates redundant, outdated, and conflicting regulatory requirements for health care providers and suppliers. These efforts are part of the wider-ranging reforms that the Obama Administration hopes to implement. The goal is to improve the quality of health care delivery and lower the associated costs for Americans. For a summary of the rules, click here.