FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:            October 16, 2003

            Contact:            Herald Astorquiza        

                                    General Manager

                                    Easy Business Software

                                    5279 Ehrlich Road

                                    Tampa, FL 33624

                                    813-968-1616

Medicare implemented a contingency plan on October 16, which allows providers and other electronic billers to continue sending pre-HIPAA format electronic claims. However, the contingency is only temporary.

CMS is closely following progress on HIPAA compliance, and will be ending the contingency as soon as feasible. Therefore, it is essential that all electronic billers send their claims in the HIPAA format as soon as possible.

New electronic providers must submit only HIPAA compliant claims. For those submitters who have tested successfully, there is an expectation that they move into production within 30 days. Submitters who cannot meet this time frame must work with their Medicare contractor to establish an acceptable time frame.

For more information on the CMS HIPAA plan, visit their site:  www.cms.gov

Source:  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) website.  http://www.cms.hhs.gov/providers/edi/hipaa-conting.asp