The deadline for transitioning electronic transactions to the updated 5010 version of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) transactions standards is January 1, 2012. You will be required to conduct electronic transactions such as claims submissions, eligibility verification, claims status, remittance advice, and referral authorizations using the updated transaction standards.
To avoid rejected claims and cash flow interruptions, physicians should prepare for the transition by working with their vendors, clearinghouses, billing services, and payors to upgrade and test their systems to ensure that they are able to successfully implement the new standards prior to the compliance date. Multiple resources to assist with the transition are available from the California Medical Association (CMA), the American Medical Association, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These resources are spelled out in a new publication, "Preparing for the New HIPAA 5010 Standards: A Guide for Physicians," available in CMA’s online resource library.
CMA is also conducting a brief survey of physician practices to assess 5010 readiness and help us determine how we can further assist you. Take the survey online at http://cal.md/5010survey.
Contact: CMA reimbursement helpline, (888) 401-5911 or mkelly@cmanet.org.