Due to problems with CMS’ quarterly systems release, certain claims with service “through” dates on or after April 1 won’t be released for processing until April 15, CMS announced late Monday.
 
The glitch affects all home health final claims with those through dates, as well as certain outpatient critical access hospital and rural health clinic claims. Claims with through dates before April 1 are not affected, CMS says.
 
The claim hold should only have a “minimal” impact on provider cash flow because “under current law, clean electronic claims are not paid sooner than 14 calendar days… after the date of receipt,” according to the announcement.
 
Nevertheless, CMS adds that it “regrets any inconvenience and is working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.”