AHIMA provides testimony on coding/classification issues pertaining to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and...

In summary, AHIMA has identified the following key issues: Uniformity and consistency must be required of all health-care organization, payers, and other data users. A central authority, comprised of representatives from the public and private sector, should be created to ensure compliance with and enforcement of coding system rules and official coding guidelines. A realistic implementation plan for the introduction of any new coding system, including migration to a single procedural classification system, must be established. Since data quality is based on the data source, clinical vocabulary, and classification system, it is important not to focus on only one component. A standard data set must be established. It is important to maintain data comparability with other nations in order to conduct global research studies. AHIMA has had a long-standing relationship working with the department on coding and classification issues and is committed to providing assistance to carry out out the requirements of the law.