HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the proposed rule delays require compliance for ICD-10 implementation from Oct. 1, 2013, to Oct. 1, 2014. "Many provider groups have expressed serious concerns about their ability to meet the Oct. 1, 2013," the HHS said in a statement.

The also creates a requirement for a unique identifier for health plans with a standard length and format in order to facilitate routine use in computer systems. By standardizing the length and format of the health plan identifier, healthcare provider offices will be able to automate and simplify their processes, particularly when managing bills and other transactions.

Currently, health plans and third-party administrators, such as bill providers, are identified using a wide range of different identifiers that don't have a standard length or format. The variety of formats cause a time-consuming problems, such as misrouting of transactions or even the rejection of bills by payers due to ID errors.

"The new health care law is cutting red tape, making our health care system more efficient and saving money," Sebelius said. "These important simplifications will mean doctors can spend less time filling out forms and more time seeing patients."