Now awaiting final proposed rule resulting from public comments. This applies most specifically to companies which self-insure their employees. This may allow the government to track citizens and their use of health care services through their employers. Implementation funded by the 1998 Appropriations bill. Enumeration will begin with Medicare and Medicaid providers.
Mandatory standardization is a sign of a national system.
In addition, it facilitates tracking of patient care. Some physicians have retired in the wake of this proposal.