Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

The Jan. 1 compliance date for the new HIPAA 5010 standards is fast approaching. Take advantage of the following opportunities from CMS to help you get ahead of the mandate.

On May 25, CMS is holding another "National Provider Call on Medicare FFS Implementation of HIPAA Version 5010 and D.0 Transactions." This call will cover "a HIPAA 5010 status update for Medicare Fee-For-Service, HETS Eligibility Transaction, Coordination of Benefits Contractor, and Medicaid," CMS says. "In addition, resources and guidance will be provided for 5010 testing and to help the audience through the transition to implementation." There will be time for questions and answers.

New feature: Providers can e-mail questions to 5010FFSinfo@cms.hhs.gov, but only the day before, the day of, and the day after the call, CMS instructs. CMS is also holding a "National Version 5010 Testing Day" on June 15. "All HIPAA-covered entities should be taking steps now to get ready, including conducting external testing to ensure timely compliance," CMS reminds providers.

Your local MAC will have more information about the testing day soon, CMS promises. In the meantime, if you're ready to test your 5010 transactions, you can go ahead now. The testing day "does not preclude trading partners from testing transactions immediately with their MAC," the agency says. "Don't wait." The day just provides "the added benefit of real-time help desk support and direct and immediate access to MACs."

More information is at www.CMS.gov/Versions5010andD0.