Comment Format Instructions

ASC X12C TG4 expects to receive a large volume of comments concerning the 999 Implementation Guides and is developing a database to manage comment processing. For this to work effectively, comments need to be received in a consistent format. Following the guidelines listed below will help ensure that the work group can provide a thorough and meaningful response to each comment.

Business Case
It is important to include a thorough business case to support your comment, especially if the comment pertains to data usage. The business case is the basis for the workgroup decision. If it is not clear what benefit is achieved with the suggested change, the workgroup may not be able to give the comment appropriate consideration.

Individual Comments
When posting one comment at a time to the conference thread, please enter the following information exactly as it relates to your comment into the Topic line.

Each topic line should be formatted as follows:

1. The word “page” followed by a space and the page number followed by another space. If the subject of your comment spans more than one page, list the first page only. If your comment applies to multiple iterations of the same subject, list the first page only on the topic line and include a listing of other occurrences in the text of your comment. (e.g. also occurs on pages ...)
2. If your comment applies to a segment or a data element
   • The word “Loop” followed by a space and the loop ID (e.g. 2000) followed by another space.
   • If your comment applies to Section 1 - The word “Section” followed by a space and the section ID (e.g. 1.3.1) followed by another space.
   • If your comment applies to an Appendix - The word “Appendix” followed by a space.
3. If your comment applies to a segment or a data element
   • The last piece of data should be the segment (e.g. AK1) or the data element (AK101)
   • If your comment applies to Section 1 - The last piece of data should be the name of the section (e.g. Control Segments)
   • If your comment applies to an Appendix - The last piece of data should identify the text the comment is referencing.

Example - comment related to an entire segment

Topic: Page 24 Loop 2000 AK2

Example - comment related to an individual data element

Topic: Page 24 Loop 2000 AK203

Example - comment related to front matter

Topic: Page 6 Section 1.3.2 Other Usage Limitations

Examples - comments related to an Appendix

Topic: Page D.1 Change Summary

Topic: Page B.3 Section B.1.1.2.3 Control Characters

Topic: Page A.5 Code Source 540

Bulk Comments
Past history has demonstrated a desire for people to provide their comments in either a Word document or Excel spreadsheet in favor of posting multiple comments to the conference. The workgroup recognizes the efficiencies realized by using this method. However, this method creates challenges in the review and response process. In an attempt to make this a positive tool for both the commenter and the workgroup, you are requested to use the following format if you wish to provide bulk comments.

Please use the following table to enter your comments. Whether you are using Word or Excel, you may simply copy the table into your own document. The table is designed to include all of the information needed for the workgroup to process your comments and respond.

Page

Loop ID

Segment

Requested Change

Business Case

Workgroup Response