Providers that missed the last 5010 testing day should put these dates down on their calendars -- Aug. 22 to 26. Now you have a whole week to test your 5010 transactions with "real-time help desk support and direct and immediate access to MACs," notes HHH MAC CGS. "The Version 5010 transition is less than six months away for all HIPAA covered entities. Before the compliance deadline of January 1, 2012, you should conduct internal and external transactions within your organizations and with your billing partners," CMS urges in a message to providers. "External testing should take place now in order to make sure that you are able to send and receive compliant transactions effectively. Testing now will help identify any potential issues that may arise, and allow the necessary time to address them."