How is the X12 standard applicable in the healthcare industry?
The X12 standard, also known as ASC X12, is a widely used electronic data interchange (EDI) standard in the healthcare industry. It is developed and maintained by the Accredited Standards Committee X12, which is responsible for establishing and maintaining standards for various industries, including healthcare.
In healthcare, the X12 standard is used for the exchange of administrative, financial, and clinical information between different entities such as healthcare providers, payers, clearinghouses, and government agencies. It enables the seamless transmission of data in a standardized format, ensuring interoperability and efficient communication between these entities.
The X12 standard encompasses a set of transaction sets, each addressing specific healthcare-related information exchanges.
Commonly used X12 transaction sets in healthcare
X12 837: This transaction set is used for the electronic submission of healthcare claim information by providers to payers. It contains details such as patient demographics, procedures performed, diagnoses, and billing information.
X12 835: The X12 835 transaction set is used for the electronic remittance advice, also known as an EOB (Explanation of Benefits), which provides payment and adjustment information from payers to providers.
X12 270/271: This transaction set is used for eligibility, coverage, or benefit inquiries by providers to payers and the subsequent response from the payer. It helps determine the patient’s eligibility for specific healthcare services.
X12 276/277: These transaction sets are used for claims status inquiries and responses. Providers use the X12 276 transaction to inquire about the status of a submitted claim, and payers respond with the X12 277 transaction, providing details such as claim status, payment information, and any adjustments made.
X12 278: The X12 278 transaction set is used for prior authorization requests, enabling providers to request approval from payers for specific medical procedures, tests, or treatments before they are performed.
The X12 standard provides a comprehensive framework for the secure and standardized exchange of information, reducing manual processes, minimizing errors, and improving efficiency in healthcare data transactions.
It’s important to note that the healthcare industry is also moving towards adopting newer standards, such as the HL7 FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), which focus on more granular clinical data exchange. However, the X12 standard remains widely used for administrative and financial transactions in healthcare.
To learn more about EDI and become a CEDIAP® (Certified EDI Academy Professional), please visit our course schedule page.