New HIPAA rule from CMS would streamline transactions with attachments, e-signatures

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a new rule to modify HIPAA in order to support claims and prior authorization transactions. The proposed rule includes standards for electronic signatures and attachments, such as medical charts and X-rays. If finalized, it could save $454 million annually in administrative costs and streamline the provider and patient experience. The CMS proposal is open for public comments until March 22, 2023.