Dive Brief:
- CMS has announced that starting January 6, it will automatically deny certain Medicare claims that don't include a national provider number.
- The denials will affect claims from labs for ordered tests, imaging centers for ordered imaging and Medicare Part A home health agencies, as well claims for items ordered from DME, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies.
- The new policy primarily affects hospitals and home health agencies enrolled as DME suppliers.
Dive Insight:
CMS's announcement shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The agency released a final rule in in April 2012 which requires providers and suppliers to use an NPI number when they submit Medicaid or Medicare claims, as well as when they enroll in these programs. By January 6, 2014, providers should have had plenty of time to obtain an NPI number. But it's still possible that they'll somehow forget to include the number. Despite the warning, there should be some outrage after the deadline takes effect and some providers get dinged.