In comments to the Department of Health and Human Services, the AHA yesterday applauded HHS’ proposal to replace the ICD-9-CM code sets with the greatly expanded ICD-10-CM/PCS code sets. In addition to urging quick adoption of a final rule to upgrade the nation’s coding system for reporting health care diagnoses and inpatient procedures, the AHA also called on HHS to set an implementation date three years after publication of the final rule and no earlier than Oct. 1, 2012, which would allow hospitals to plan and budget for the significant changes that would ensue. The AHA also provided several technical recommendations to ensure a smooth transition. “This change is welcome and long overdue,” AHA said. “The ICD-10 code sets provide a standard coding convention that is flexible, incorporates unique codes for all substantially different procedures or health conditions, and allows for new procedures and diagnoses to be easily incorporated as new codes for both existing and future clinical protocols.”