SJR79 Summary

• Urges United States Congress to delay implementation of ICD-10 medical coding system scheduled for October 1, 2015, which replaces ICD-9 with 68,000 diagnostic codes (compared to 13,000 in ICD-9).

• Identifies significant financial burden on private medical practices, with transition costs ranging from $80,000 to $2.7 million per practice, described as an unfunded federal mandate.

• If delay is not feasible, requests Congress allow a two-year grace period during which physicians cannot be penalized for coding errors or mistakes and payments will not be withheld.

• Requests Congress appropriate funds to cover the substantial cost and administrative burden of ICD-10 implementation on medical practices.

• Directs copies of the resolution be sent to Alabama's Congressional Delegation and all members of Congress.