Attention Doctors: Will You Be Getting Paid?
If you do not want your cash flow interrupted then make HIPAA transactions your priority NOW. HIPAA is clear — October 16, 2003 is the deadline for covered entities to comply with the transaction and code set mandate. Many health care providers think of HIPAA as a privacy issue but it's also about getting paid.

As a covered entity, it is your responsibility to ensure that the electronic transactions conducted on your behalf are compliant with the HIPAA law. Your association in partnership with the Michigan Department of Community Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan strongly encourages you to intensify your efforts towards achieving HIPAA transaction and code set compliance.

The Bottom Line: What You Must Do Now To Keep Getting Paid
If you partner with a software vendor make sure you receive the latest updates. They should also be testing their software with you and your payers. Is your billing service on the “Approved Vendor List?” If they are not, fax them the “HIPAA Preparedness Questionnaire.” If you do not like your vendor’s responses, you may want to make a change.

You can download the Approved Vendor Lists, the HIPAA Preparedness Questionnaire, and HIPAA Transaction Action Steps now by clicking on the links below.

Take Responsibility Today
Make sure your electronic claims are HIPAA compliant by October 16, 2003 — regardless of who is submitting them for payment. According to the law, if your electronic claims are not compliant payers cannot accept them. If they are not accepted they cannot be paid.

For more information, download these helpful PDFs:

HIPAA Transactions are Your Responsibility • Electronic Postcard PDF
Don't Let Your Payments Get Interrupted! • Electronic Postcard PDF
What Doctors Must Do To Get Paid • E-Newsletter PDF
HIPAA Transaction Action Steps • Flyer PDF
HIPAA Preparedness Questionairre • Flyer PDF
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) Approved Vendor List
Medicare A Approved Vendor List
Medicare B Approved Vendor List (click on Medicare under EDI Connection)
Medicaid Approved Vendor Lists