Integrated Outpatient Code Editor (I/OCE) Software

Notice Regarding Upcoming Releases of the I/OCE

The current version of the I/OCE uses Java version 8 software.  Support for Java version 8 will end by November 2026. If you're a hospital or their software vendor and you implement this program in a mainframe environment, this change will impact you. CMS is preparing now to convert the program to Java version 17.

For 2025:

• The October 2024 release of the I/OCE program will include 2 Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL) Java bridge modules instead of the 1 that's currently delivered.
• CMS will continue to provide the existing bridge module that uses the 31-bit, Java 8 Java Virtual Machine (JVM) environment.
• We'll also provide a new bridge module that will use the 64-bit, Java 17 JVM.
• The Java jar file for each will continue to be compiled using Java 8.  This will preserve backwards compatibility with all existing mainframe deployments (both batch and Customer Information Control System (CICS)).
• The installation guides for the program will provide notice of the changes. Users will be able to test upgrades to their systems over the next year to prepare to move to Java 17.

The release of the October 2025 version of the I/OCE program will be compiled with Java 17 and it will only deliver the Java 17, 64-bit COBOL calling module. You and your software vendors should begin planning this year to be sure you're prepared for this conversion next fall.

Questions about the Java 17 conversion? Email GrouperBetaTesting@cms.hhs.gov.

CMS is modernizing its grouping and code editor software. Medicare processes all Original Medicare institutional claims through 1 of 3 sub-systems within the Fiscal Intermediary Shared System (FISS):

• The Medicare Code Editor (MCE)
• The Inpatient Grouper (MS-DRG)
• The Integrated Outpatient Code Editor (I/OCE). 

These sub-systems were built with an antiquated programming language (Assembler) that's difficult to extend, maintain, support, and test. Modernizing these programs will protect CMS from future quality and integration risks. In 2021, we completed the conversion of MS-DRGs and MCE software to Java.

JAVA Conversion Schedule & I/OCE Files

Visit I/OCE Quarterly Release Files to get draft and final I/OCE instructions and specifications.

You can use the files for integration, testing, or production. CMS doesn't provide technical support to incorporate I/OCE software into new or existing systems outside of its Original Medicare claims processing system.

Questions about the I/OCE Software files and Java conversion?

Email GrouperBetaTesting@cms.hhs.gov.