Reminder CMS requires new time limits for filing claims

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) earlier this year issued instructions requiring providers to submit Medicare fee-for-service claims within one calendar year from the date of service. This requirement reduces the amount of time providers previously had to submit claims, and claims submitted more than one year after the date of service will be denied by Medicare. The requirement impacts all claims with dates of service on or after Jan. 1, 2010. Additionally, any claims for services furnished prior to Jan. 1, 2010, must be submitted to Medicare contractors by Dec. 31, 2010. The new, timely filing requirement is mandated in Sec. 6404 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.