HL7 to X12: Creating X12 VMDs

You can extend our simple X12 270 example by tweaking the script and applying a different VMD file (that contains different transaction definitions). Developing your own X12 VMD file is easy! Because X12 grammar is so similar to HL7 grammar, it lends itself well to Chameleon, our wizard-based VMD tool that is included with every Iguana install. Just follow the same process as you would to create an HL7 VMD file:

1. Download one of the following X12-specific VMD Library files, depending on your version of X12 HIPAA Transaction and Code Set Standards:
   • Version 5010: x12_5010.vmd
   • Version 4010: X12_4010.vmd
2. Launch Chameleon.
3. Create a new ’empty’ VMD file.
4. Import the X12 VMD library file that you just downloaded.
5. Following the prompts, select and import the specific transaction definition that applies to your requirements. For example, if you want to create a VMD file for 835 transactions, import only those definitions.
6. Parse some test data.
7. Based on the results, remove any grammar segments not required and adjust the sequence. You can also adjust segment grammar to produce the desired result.

Here is an example VMD that we created to process X12 835/837 transactions: x12_5010.835_837.vmd

Still not sure how to do this? Check out our Chameleon documentation to learn more about this basic process.

But what exactly is included in these X12 VMD libraries?

The 5010 VMD library file includes the following transaction definitions:

• Health Care Eligibility Benefit (270/271)
• Health Care Claim Status (276/277)
• Health Care Services Review Information (278)
• Payment Order/Remittance Advice (820)
• Benefit Enrollment and Maintenance (834)
• Health Care Claim Payment/Advice (835)
• Health Care Claim (837)
• Functional Acknowledgements (997)
• Implementation Acknowledgements (999)

The 4010 VMD library file includes the following transaction definitions:

• Eligibility, Coverage or Benefit (270/271)
• Health Care Claim Status (276/277)
• Health Care Services Review Information (278)
• Payment Order/Remittance Advice (820)
• Benefit Enrollment and Maintenance (834)
• Health Care Claim Payment/Advice (835)
• Health Care Claim: Professional (837Q1)
• Health Care Claim: Dental (837Q2)

Need help? Contact our helpful support staff at support@interfaceware.com for guidance!