CMS released a Transmittal on July 30, 2010 with new instructions for timely claims filing.  The old rule said you are fine to file Medicare claims as late as Dec. 31st of the year following the date of service (DOS) year.  The new rule establishes that providers must file claims no later than one calendar year from the DOS to receive Medicare reimbursement.

This new rule applies to all dates of service  in 2010.  Claims submitted after one calender year will fail to meet the filing deadline and be denied.  Be sure to pass this info on to your billing staff if you know you have outstanding Medicare services yet to be filed.