AHIMA Comments on HIPAA Transaction Standards Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on a proposed rule for the adoption of standards for healthcare attachments transactions, which would support both healthcare claims and prior authorization transactions, and a standard for electronic signatures to be used in conjunction with health care attachments transactions.

AHIMA Comments on Proposed Rule for Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on a proposed rule aimed at improving health information exchange and furthering price transparency efforts.

Funding Requested for AHRQ

AHIMA joined 151 healthcare organizations requesting $500 million in funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the federal vehicle for studying and improving the United States healthcare system. This request reflects the demonstrated need to expand and accelerate HSR investments to inform decision-making on the healthcare system as it recovers from the pandemic.

Coalition Provides Recommendations Regarding CONNECT for Health Act

AHIMA joined other organizations on a letter to Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) with legislative recommendations for necessary health information technology (HIT) improvements in long-term and post-acute (LTPAC) settings to improve the telehealth expansions called for in their CONNECT for Health Act.

AHIMA Comments on Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Records Proposed Rule 

AHIMA submitted comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights on a proposed rule regarding the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. 

AHIMA Sends Letter to 118th Congress 

At the beginning of the 118^th Congress, AHIMA sent a letter to congressional leadership outlining its top priorities to bolster and modernize the health system.

Adoption of Standards for Health Care Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures Proposed Rule 

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Adoption of Standards for Health Care Attachments, Transactions and Electronic Signatures, and Modification to Referral Certification and Authorization Transaction Standard proposed rule. This rule would update the HIPAA Attachment and Transaction standards. AHIMA published a fact sheet outlining key provisions of the rule. 

AHIMA Responds to Cybersecurity RFI from Senator Warner (D-VA)

AHIMA has responded to a white paper from Senator Warner (D-VA) entitled “Cybersecurity is Patient Safety: Policy Options in the Health Care Sector.” The response highlights the AHIMA position on cybersecurity leadership within the federal government, workforce, and information sharing.

Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes Proposed Rule 

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes proposed rule that is aimed at improving health information exchange and furthering price transparency efforts. AHIMA published a fact sheet outlining the impacted parties and the key provisions contained in the proposed rule. 

OCR Bulletin on Requirements Under HIPAA for Online Tracking Technologies 

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a bulletin providing sub-regulatory guidance on requirements for covered entities who use online tracking technologies to follow a user’s interaction with a website or application. AHIMA published a one-page FAQ describing key provisions in this bulletin.

Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Records Proposed Rule 

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a proposed rule to align 42 CFR Part 2 which governs Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records with the HIPAA Rules. In a summary of the rule, AHIMA outlines key provisions. 

AHIMA Responds to RFI on National Directory of Healthcare Providers & Services 

AHIMA submitted a response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Request for Information (RFI) on establishing a National Directory of Healthcare Providers & Services that could serve as a ‘‘centralized data hub’’ for healthcare provider, facility, and entity directory information nationwide.

AHIMA Comments on C&M Code Proposals 

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on ICD-10-CM/PCS code proposals discussed at the September ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting that are being considered for implementation on October 1, 2023.

AHIMA Responds to RFI 

AHIMA submitted a response to the Department of the Treasury, Department of Labor, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Request for Information (RFI) to inform federal rulemaking for advanced explanation of benefits and good faith estimate requirements of the No Surprises Act.

AHIMA Releases Health Equity Recommendations 

AHIMA's recommendations to further health equity in US federal policy represent the key areas where AHIMA and its members' expertise are best suited to help close the health equity gap.

AHIMA Comments on C&M Code Proposals Requested for April 2023 Implementation

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on ICD-10-CM/PCS code proposals discussed at the September ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting that are being considered for implementation on April 1, 2023.

AHIMA Comments on Medicare Payment Regulations

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.

AHIMA also submitted comments to CMS on the CY 2023 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (PPS) proposed rule.

AHIMA Responds to Medicare Advantage RFI

AHIMA submitted a response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Request for Information (RFI) on Medicare Advantage. This letter addressed ways to advance health equity, interoperability, and equitable access to telehealth in Medicare Advantage.

AHIMA, AMIA, EHRA Release Report on Operationalizing Definition of EHI

AHIMA, AMIA, and EHRA announced today the release of a final report that examines key issues related to operationalizing the definitions of “electronic health information” (EHI) and “designated record set” (DRS). The report is intended to serve as a resource to assist providers, health IT systems, health information exchanges, and health information networks in complying with the information blocking provisions of the Cures Act Final Rule.

Provider Role in Protecting Patient Confidentiality, Privacy, and Security Beyond HIPAA

This list of resources from AHIMA will assist health information professionals with educating patients on how to protect the confidentiality, privacy, and security of their health information in environments not covered by HIPAA.

Information Blocking Recommendations Sent to HHS

AHIMA and several other organizations urged the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the ONC, OIG, and CMS to work together to provide additional education to providers related to information blocking laws and requirements. 

AHIMA Comments on FY 2023 Hospital IPPS Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. 

AHIMA Responds to OCR RFI

AHIMA has submitted a response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Considerations for Implementing the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, as Amended.

AHIMA Comments on USCDI Draft v3

AHIMA submitted comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT regarding the US Core For Data Interoperability (USCDI) Draft Version 3. The USCDI establishes a baseline set of standardized data classes and data elements to enhance nationwide, interoperable health information exchange.  New data classes for health insurance information and health status are proposed, and 20 new data elements. 

AHIMA Responds to ONC RFI

AHIMA submitted a response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) on electronic prior authorization standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria.

AHIMA Joins Healthcare Organizations in Advocating for AHRQ Funding

AHIMA has joined 135 healthcare organizations in advocating for $500 million in funding for the Agency for Healthcare and Research and Quality (AHRQ) in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) federal budget. The funding will support AHRQ's mission of furthering research to improve health care quality, reduce costs, advance patient safety, decrease medical errors, and broaden access to essential services.

Coalition Responds to Healthy Future Task Force Modernization Subcommittee RFI

In a response to the Healthy Future Task Force Modernization Subcommittee request for information (RFI), AHIMA and other healthcare organizations recommended the authorization of funding for long-term and post-acute care providers to adopt interoperable health information technology with a focus on patient care and safety. 

AHIMA Comments on PREVENT Pandemics Act Legislation

AHIMA recently provided feedback on the PREVENT Pandemics Act draft legislation, introduced by HELP Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-NC). AHIMA provided comments on social determinants of health, accurate patient information, and improving the frontline workforce.

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Interoperability

A policy statement addressing interoperability has been approved by AHIMA's Board of Directors. To make the strides needed to strengthen interoperability within healthcare, public policy must improve standardization of health data to support interoperability. 

Coalition Sends Letter to CMS and ONC on FHIR Based APIs

In a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), AHIMA and other provider-based organizations ask that security and vulnerability flaws of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource (FHIR) based application program interfaces (APIs) be reviewed and that FHIR API policies be reevaluated.

AHIMA and HIMSS Provide Input on Cyber Incident Reporting Act

In a letter to relevant committee leadership on Capitol Hill, AHIMA and HIMSS sent a letter in support of the most recent bipartisan amendment offer by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Warner (D-VA) to the Cyber Incident Reporting Act. The legislation would create a compulsory cyber incident notification program with implications for the healthcare community. AHIMA and HIMSS voiced support for issues including harmonizing federal reporting requirements, focusing on patient safety, and supporting opportunities for cyber workforce development.

AHIMA Comments on Draft Elements of Common Agreement

In a letter to the Sequoia Project, AHIMA provided feedback on the Elements of the Common Agreement in support of the goal of establishing “a floor of universal interoperability across the country for health care.”

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Consumer Engagement

A policy statement addressing consumer engagement has been approved by AHIMA's Board of Directors. To empower individuals to become better informed and more involved in decisions that affect their health and healthcare, AHIMA believes that public policy must guarantee an individual’s right to access their health information, regardless of where it is captured, stored, or exchanged.

Release of Preliminary Report: "Defining EHI and the Designated Record Set in an Electronic World"

AHIMA, the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), and the Electronic Health Record Association (EHRA) released a preliminary report that examines key issues related to the operationalization of the definitions of electronic health information (EHI) and designated record set (DRS).

AHIMA Comments on Hospital OPPS Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule.

AHIMA Comments on Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.

AHIMA Comments on Surprise Billing Regulations

AHIMA submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services on the interim final rule on Requirements Related to Surprise Billing.

Overview of AHIMA's New Health Equity Policy Statement

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and exacerbated existing health inequities in the US and beyond. This spring we convened a work group to help us think about what key public policy considerations should be addressed by policymakers to address health inequities.

August 2, 2021

Health Interoperability Outcomes 2030

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology recently asked the healthcare community what interoperability outcomes should be prioritized that align with ONC's interoperability vision for the nation and the 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. In this video, AHIMA CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, details AHIMA’s answer.

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Health Equity

A policy statement addressing health equity has been approved by AHIMA's Board of Directors. To meet the needs of diverse populations and reduce and eliminate health disparities and inequities, AHIMA believes that public policy must encourage the standardized collection of accurate and complete patient demographic and social determinants of health data. 

AHIMA Provides Input to NCVHS Subcommittee on Standards

AHIMA provided input to the NCVHS Subcommittee on Standards request for public comment on healthcare standards development, adoption, and implementation. AHIMA's letter stated that harmonizing standards to create a consistent set of standards for code sets, content, and services must evolve together to address clinical and administrative workflows. AHIMA commented that a clear roadmap and timeline are necessary to ensure the successful convergence of clinical and administrative data streams.

AHIMA Provides Feedback on 21st Century Cures 2.0 draft legislation

AHIMA submitted comments on the 21st Century Cures 2.0 draft legislation. AHIMA's letter offers several recommendations pertaining to accurate patient identification, increased health literacy, expanded access to and support for telehealth, payment for breakthrough devices, and biometrics.

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Healthcare Reform

A policy statement on the subject of healthcare reform has been approved by AHIMA’s Board of Directors. To recognize the value of health information in any health reform efforts seeking to expand insurance coverage, improve quality, and/or reduce costs, AHIMA believes that, regardless of insurance coverage status, public policy must guarantee the right for all to have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance coverage and ensure individuals are able to access, use, and share their health information. 

Under the Dome: Read Highlights from ICD-10 C&M Committee Meeting

At the recent ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance (C&M) Committee meeting, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and National Center for Health Statistics discussed the possible adoption of April 1 ICD-10 code updates.

AHIMA Comments on US Core for Data Interoperability Draft Version 2

AHIMA submitted comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT regarding the US Core For Data Interoperability (USCDI) Version 2. The USCDI establishes a baseline set of standardized data classes and data elements to enhance nationwide, interoperable health information exchange. The USCDI Draft version 2 proposes to new data classes and data elements to the USCDI.

Under the Dome: Learn About AHIMA's New Policy Statement on Affordability

As the cost of care rises, policymakers have increasingly focused on the need for greater transparency in healthcare prices and health plan coverage.

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Affordability

A policy statement on the subject of affordability has been approved by AHIMA’s Board of Directors.

AHIMA Submits Comments on Code Proposals

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Center for Health Statistics on code proposals discussed at the March ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting.