The health care reform law has business and data integration implications that, while not completely understood at this point, will involve intense integration requirements. Some integration requirements will unfold over time due to the rule making authority that exists in the law which empowers certain DHHS and other officials to mandate health care processes, procedures, and standards in the name of efficiency. Other integration requirements are explicit in the law and include a significant revamp to HIPAA transaction standards, the creation of new document standards, the creation of a unique health plan identification number, electronic claim payment/remittance, and utilization of electronic medical records, to name just a few.
