There has been a wealth of information
posted to this list over the last several weeks. But, I'm beginning to be a bit
concerned, and possibly, confused (it wouldn't be the first time!) that perhaps
the discussion and information exchange has gone a bit off track. In looking at
the original business case document for this work group developed by Peter
Barry, I believe the following sections should be front and foremost in our
efforts:
2.0 Objective of the EDI
Address Project
This project is to define the syntax of a comprehensive,
standard EDI Address, including attributes such as described here, and to define
the associated code structure. Its
deliverable is intended to have technical specificity.
7.0
The Proposed Work
This project will pursue the following:
·
Write technical specifications
for syntax and code structure for the
EDI Address including its associated attributes. The sequence is to begin with the easier
and continue to the more difficult.
·
Define attribute code
tables.
·
Determine required changes, if
any, in X12 and other standard transactions.
·
Coordinate with WEDI-AFEHCT
Health Care Communications Security and Interoperability project. Coordination between the two projects is
critical.
Have we lost focus? Or have we just not yet determined a focus? As
I said in a message in early March, " . . .any project must have a clearly
stated objective.....thus far I'm not sure this group has such an objective or
reached consensus on an objective. The first question to be answered, in my
opinion is: Does this group wish to embark on a project to develop a technical
specification for a health care EDI Addressing System? This is what was posed in
Peter Barry's first draft document. William talks about a white paper for EDI
Addressing. These two things are substantially different animals. Thus, is the
goal of this group to develop:
1. A technical
specification for a health care EDI Addressing System
or
2. A
white paper discussing issues, approaches, challenges for EDI Addressing of EDI
interchanges"
Folks, where are we on the objective for this work
group? If the objective is neither 1 or 2, then what is
it?
Rachel Foerster
Principal
Rachel Foerster &
Associates, Ltd.
Professionals in EDI &
Electronic Commerce
39432 North Avenue
Beach Park, IL 60099
Phone: 847-872-8070
Fax: 847-872-6860
http:/www.rfa-edi.com
