CMS announces change to submission period for Medicare claims

Last week CMS informed physicians and other health care professionals that claims with a service date on or after Jan. 1, 2010 must be submitted for reimbursement no later than one calendar year after the date of service. While this likely provides sufficient time as internists typically submit claims promptly, the one-calendar-year submission deadline represents a shorter period than previously allowed by law.

This change is the result of the new health care reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Additional information is available on the CMS Web site.