Message Information Levels

The levels of information that guide the final format of a specific transaction are:

• HIPAA Protocol : The HIPAA Act mandates a standard structure for each HIPAA TP transaction. Specifically, since HIPAA regulations are law, it is important to follow the guidelines for these transactions as strictly as possible.

• TP Agreements : It is normal for TPs to have individual agreements that supplement the standard guidelines. The specific processing of the transactions in each TP’s individual system can vary from one site to another. As a result, additional documentation providing information about the differences is helpful to the site’s TPs and simplifies implementation. For example, although a certain code might be valid in an implementation guide, a specific TP might not use that code in transactions. In such a case, it is important to include that information in the TP agreement.