The deadline for implementation of Version 5010 was Jan. 1 2012.  However, as previously reported in the Dec 5 2011 Weekly Update, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have delayed enforcement of this requirement for 90 days.  Therefore, enforcement actions will not begin until April 1, 2012.

In a recent statement, CMS encouraged providers to continue internal and external testing of Version 5010.  To assist providers with a smooth transition, CMS has developed a new fact sheet highlighting important steps for health care providers.  CMS strongly encourages providers to communicate regularly with applicable vendors.  Use of a clearinghouse is also recommended during the transition to ensure that claims are submitted in the proper format.   Finally, CMS identifies a number of transition resources, which can be downloaded on the CMS ICD-10 website.