Have You Started External Testing of Version 5010?

All HIPAA covered entities that submit transactions electronically are required to upgrade from Version 4010/4010A to Version 5010 transaction standards by January 1, 2012.

Testing should be conducted both internally and with external business partners in preparation for the January 1, 2012, compliance deadline. Internal testing of Version 5010 should have been completed by December 31, 2010. Now is the time to begin external testing.

Testing transactions using Version 5010 standards will assure that you are able to send and receive compliant transactions effectively. And testing early will allow you to identify any potential issues, and address them in advance.

Stay ahead of the Version 5010 and ICD-10 transitions! Know the deadlines and mark your calendars:

• January 1, 2011 - Begin external testing of Version 5010 for electronic claims

• CMS begins accepting Version 5010 claims

• Version 4010 claims continue to be accepted

• December 31, 2011 - External testing of Version 5010 for electronic claims must be complete to achieve Level II Version 5010 compliance
• January 1, 2012 - All electronic claims must use Version 5010; Version 4010 claims are no longer accepted
• October 1, 2013 - Claims for services provided on or after this date must use ICD-10 codes for medical diagnosis and inpatient procedures; CPT codes will continue to be used for outpatient services

CMS has resources that can help you with the Version 5010 and ICD-10 transitions at www.cms.gov/icd10 .

Version 5010 and ICD-10 are coming. Will you be ready?


Dallas L Alford IV, CPA is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of North Carolina and owner of Atlantic Financial Consulting, a consulting firm that provides comprehensive medical billing services, practice management consulting, coding audits, Medicare compliance, Medicare RAC support and other general medical practice consulting services.
To learn more about Atlantic Financial Consulting you may visit their website at http://atlanticfinancial.us or contact Dallas L Alford IV, CPA directly at 1 888-428-2555, Ext. 200.