An HHS final rule from 2012 established unique HPIDs with the goal of reducing confusion in determining eligibility and streamlining the billing process. Many health plans are required to begin using HPIDs by Nov. 5.
However, providers mainly see the HPIDs as superfluous, as well as expensive — just 19 percent of provider respondents in the WEDI survey believe they will be able to incorporate HPIDs into their workflows for less than $50,000.
In a letter to HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, WEDI representatives reiterated their request HHS remove a requirement that HPIDs be used in electronic transactions. “One message was clear, that HPID holds little to no value for any stakeholder when used within electronic transactions,” according to the letter.
More articles on patient identifiers:
Unique patient identifier ban to continue with latest spending bill
Data Analytics: Opportunities and Challenges
The Common Denominator for Quality and Efficiency: 3 Keys to Patient Identity Resolution
