AHIMA Comments on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. In addition to commenting on proposed modifications to the Quality Payment Program, AHIMA commented on a proposal to separately identify a social determinants of health (SDOH) risk assessment.

AHIMA Comments on Proposed Changes to Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Medicare Code Editor

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed changes to the IPPS Medicare Code Editor revision process that were included in the Calendar Year 2024 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule.

AHIMA Comments on FTC Health Breach Notification Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the Health Breach Notification Proposed Rule. The FTC seeks to better protect the privacy and security of personal health data amid the rise in health apps and other direct-to-consumer technologies, the increased collection of health data from consumers, and the risk of companies inappropriately using or disclosing sensitive data.

FAQ: OIG Information Blocking Enforcement Final Rule

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released its Grants, Contracts, and other Agreements: Fraud and Abuse; Information Blocking; Office of the Inspector General’s Civil Money Penalty Rules final rule implementing the information blocking investigation process for all actors and the penalty process for health information network (HIN), health information exchange (HIE), and developer of certified health IT product actors. AHIMA published a one-page FAQ describing key provisions of this final rule.

AHIMA Comments on HTI-1 Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) on the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Certification Program Updates, Algorithm Transparency, and Information Sharing (HTI-1) proposed rule. If finalized, this rule would implement provisions directed by the 21^st Century Cures Act and make enhancements to the ONC Health IT Certification Program.

FAQ: Health Breach Notification Rule Proposed Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a proposed rule that seeks to amend the Health Breach Notification Rule. This rule proposes amendments that would clarify the Health Breach Notification Rule’s applicability to health applications and other similar technologies. The FTC seeks to better protect the privacy and security of personal health data amid the rise in health apps and other direct-to-consumer technologies, the increased collection of health data from consumers, and the risk of companies inappropriately using or disclosing sensitive data.

AHIMA Comments on the OCR Proposed Rule to Modify the HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy

AHIMA submitted comments on the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights' (OCR) proposed rule aimed at providing additional requirements around the sharing of protected health information relating to reproductive health care.

AHIMA Comments on FY 2024 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. Comments focused on proposed updates to MS-DRGs and the Promoting Interoperability Program.

FY 2024 Appropriations Request for ONC Funding

AHIMA and other stakeholders ask the US House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees to fully fund the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) for FY 2024.

AHIMA Comments on ICD-10-CM Code Proposals

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics on ICD-10-CM code proposals discussed at the March ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting and being considered for implementation on October 1, 2024.

FAQ: Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Certification Program Updates, Algorithm Transparency, and Information Sharing Proposed Rule

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) released the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Certification Program Updates, Algorithm Transparency, and Information Sharing proposed rule. The rule’s proposals would implement provisions directed by the 21st Century Cures Act and make enhancements to the ONC Health IT Certification Program. AHIMA published a one-page FAQ describing key provisions of the proposed rule.

FAQ: FY 2024 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) proposed rule, which would update Medicare fee-for-service payment rates and policies for inpatient hospitals and LTCHs for FY 2024. AHIMA published a one-page FAQ describing key provisions of this proposed rule.

FAQ: HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy Proposed Rule

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released the HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy proposed rule aimed at providing additional requirements around the sharing of protected health information (PHI) relating to patient-initiated and provider administered reproductive health care. AHIMA published a one-page FAQ describing key provisions of this proposed rule.

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 and Addenda modifications that were discussed at the March ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting and are being considered for implementation on October 1, 2023.

AHIMA Advocates for Funding of CDC Data Modernization Initiative

AHIMA joined 90 organizations in advocating for funding for the Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 to complete connectivity and allow state and local public health systems to keep pace with evolving technology.

AHIMA Responds to Request for Information on Drivers of Healthcare Workforce Shortages and Solutions

AHIMA responded to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee on the drivers of the healthcare workforce shortages and potential solutions. The AHIMA response outlined the vital roles health information (HI) professionals play within the healthcare system, and the current factors driving the shortage of HI professionals in the workforce.

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. 

FAQ: Health Breach Notification Rule Proposed Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a proposed rule that seeks to amend the Health Breach Notification Rule. This rule proposes amendments that would clarify the Health Breach Notification Rule’s applicability to health applications and other similar technologies. The FTC seeks to better protect the privacy and security of personal health data amid the rise in health apps and other direct-to-consumer technologies, the increased collection of health data from consumers, and the risk of companies inappropriately using or disclosing sensitive data.