Did you know that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) allow the public to give comments and ideas on important diagnosis codes? To learn more, see the web sites below about upcoming meetings on International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision Clinical Modification, (ICD 9 CM) codes. Although the ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee is a federal organization, ideas for coding changes come from both the public and private sectors. The Committee's role is advisory. All decisions are made by the Director of NCHS and the Administrator of CMS.

No new ICD-9-CM codes were implemented on April 1, 2005. The next update to ICD-9-CM is October 1, 2005. Requestors who want an April 1, 2006 update must make the specific request at the September 29-30, 2005 ICD-9-CM Coordination & Maintenance Committee meeting. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/paymentsystems/icd9

Background Papers from CMS The CMS provides background papers, including its recommendations on any proposed coding revisions. The background paper is discussed at the C&M meeting and referenced in the summary report. Background papers can be viewed in their entirety on the CMS website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/paymentsystems/icd9.

Upcoming Meetings of ICD-9-CM Coordination & Maintenance Committee September 29 - 30, 2005 (registration opens June 29). The agenda for the diagnosis segment of the meetings is posted on the NCHS website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd9.htm These meetings are open to the public. Comments are encouraged in person or submitted in writing. You can register for the meetings on line at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/events.

Comments on the diagnosis area of the meeting should be sent to:

Donna Pickett NCHS Room 2402 3311 Toledo Road Hyattsville, MD 20782 Dfp4@cdc.gov