Attention All Providers Billing Medicare: Nine Day Hold on Medicare Payments Begins September 22, 2006

This message is intended to serve as a reminder that, from September 22, 2006 though September 30, 2006, as mandated by Section 5203 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, a hold will be placed on Medicare payments for all claims, including initial claims, adjustment claims and Medicare Secondary Payer claims.All health care providers billing Medicare potentially are subject to this hold.During these nine days, no payments will be made to providers, interest will not accrue or be paid and late penalties that generally apply are inapplicable.Claims held during this nine day period will be paid on October 2, 2006.

This policy does not apply to full denials and no-pay claims, periodic interim payments, home health requests for anticipated payments, cost reports settlements and other non-claim payments.This policy only applies to claims subject to payment.

The Health Care Practice Group at Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP strives to keep you informed of the latest developments in health care law.If you have any questions concerning this nine day hold, please contact Harry M. Brown or Alan E. Schabes in Cleveland or Janet K. Feldkamp or Frank Carsonie in Columbus.