Start now to prepare for Version 5010

The first deadline for the transition of physician billing to Version 5010, the electronic transactions standards required by HIPAA, is fast approaching on Dec. 31.

By then practices must have completed internal testing of their ability to submit claims electronically in order to achieve Level I compliance. Practices must complete internal testing by the end of the year so that they are ready to move on to external testing with payers during 2011. Practices should check with their vendors about preparations to ensure that they are on track to complete the transition.

Additional information about the Version 5010 standards is available on the CMS website. There you can also find a more detailed timeline for implementation.