Is there still time to work with Medicare carriers to check computer systems for possible Y2K problems?
Yes, Medicare is still encouraging physicians to test their claims data exchange systems as soon as possible. Because testing your system will minimize the likelihood that you will experience major claim disruptions in the new millennium, it is well worth your time and effort. Medicare recently reported that 10% to 20% of claims are being submitted with incorrect or invalid dates. Medicare attributes these failures to problems with vendor billing software, as well as problems with the hardware and software used to submit claims. Medicare noted, however, that most submitters have been able to correct the problems exposed by the testing.
