Docs face problems as they fall behind on HIPAA 5010

A majority of medical groups have not completed critical software upgrades for transition to HIPAA Version 5010 electronics standard, nor have they scheduled testing with health plans, according to follow-up research by the Medical Group Management Association. Medical practices face disruptions in claims processing and other essential administrative transactions if they don't successfully implement Version 5010 by the Jan. 1, 2012, compliance date. To assist physician practices with the transition, MGMA is calling on practice management system software vendors to intensify their rollout of compliant products, and on health plans to schedule testing. MGMA has also called on the government to develop contingency plans should the industry not be ready to meet the compliance date.