In a special announcement published earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that Medicare claims administration contractors will be instructed to hold claims for services provided in 2012. The claims hold, which will last from Sunday, January 1 through Tuesday, January 17, will impact claims for services provided in 2012 only. Claims for services provided on or before December 31, 2011 will not be affected by this hold.
This announcement comes as Medicare providers anticipate the 27.4% cut to payment outlined in the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which is expected to take effect on January 1, 2012.
CMS has reported that they expect the claims hold will have a minimal impact on provider cash flow.
The AASM strongly urges members to immediately contact Congressional leaders and your Representative regarding this important issue. The AASM has created a template letter you can use when contacting members of Congress. The letter outlines the dire ramifications to health care providers and patients if cuts are enacted. For contact information for your Representative and Senators go to the online directory at contactingthecongress.org.
