Switching to the newer codes of ICD-10 and formats of the new HIPAA 5010 transactions is forced changed. If you're responsible for paying health claims now, and you decide to remain in the business, you've got to comply.

At first glance, you may think you just need to upgrade to the new codes, and that should be easier than implementing the first round of HIPAA transactions standards in 2003. However, a few moments of reflection may clue you in to a new wrinkle. In contrast to the first round of HIPAA implemtations (a "soft" transition if there ever was one) you will need to be able to support BOTH the old ICD-9 codes and the new ICD-10 codes at the same time, and probably both will appear in the same files from existing trading partners!