An archive of current and past system alerts for Medicare Part A.
October 30, 2009
File Delay for Part A PA, NJ, & MD/DC EDI Customers
UPDATE: The Part A Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and District of Columbia ANSI X12N 835 Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) files for retrieval today, 10/30/2009, are now available. Thank you for your patience.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: Due to a system problem, the Part A Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and District of Columbia ANSI X12N 835 Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) files for retrieval today, 10/30/2009, are not available at this time. We are in the process of resolving this issue and we will notify you when the ERA files become available. We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause.
October 29, 2009
DE Part A Availability for 10/30/09!
For Delaware Part A Only: The Delaware Part A Region will be brought down earlier tomorrow 10/30 at 4:00 Eastern due to changes going over the weekend that are specific to HIGLAS. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
October 27, 2009
Revalidation Inquiry Tool is Now Available!
The Revalidation Inquiry Tool is available today on our Enrollment Center under "Tips, Tools and Tutorials for Enrollment". Please refer to our "Hot Topics" article posted on October 27, 2009 for more details. You will need to know your PTAN/CCN to perform a search. For each PTAN/CCN entered, a message will display advising whether or not a revalidation letter has been issued. If a revalidation letter has been issued, the date of the HMS request and revalidation application due date will be provided.
October 26, 2009
Important Information Regarding Upcoming Part A Provider Revalidation Activities!
Over the course of the upcoming months there are several Provider Enrollment revalidation activities taking place under the direction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Please read this article for potential impacts.
October 19, 2009
Inpatient Claims Receiving Reason Code 37001 incorrectly!
Claims are incorrectly receiving reason code 37001 which states the MSAX/CBSA code on the provider file in FISS is invalid. This is not affecting all inpatient claims. This problem has been reported to the Fiscal Intermediary Shared System (FISS) maintainer as a priority. FISS is researching this issue.
October 2, 2009
Important Update to MSP Claims via DDE!
Highmark Medicare Services (HMS) has just learned the FISS new reason code 31265 [claim is submitted or updated via DDE and the payer code is not equal to 'Z' ] does not contain an edit to only look at claims with receive dates on or after 10/05/09 - the implementation of this change request. This new reason code is set to RTP.
If suspended MSP / DDE-submitted claims with receive dates before 10/05/09 are worked internally by HMS, those claims will be automatically returned with reason code 31265. Contractors are working with FISS and CMS to have the FISS logic updated as quickly as possible to only look at claims received via DDE on or after 10/05/09.
Please click here for more details as well as the full text of the previous alert.
October 1, 2009
MSP Claims via DDE
Per CR6426, CMS is implementing the use of CAS segments on MSP electronically submitted claims. Also within this change request, CMS is requiring that MSP claims will only be accepted electronically effective with claims received on or after 10/05/09.
As a reminder, on July 6, 2009, Highmark Medicare Services published MML6426 which informs providers of changes pertaining to MSP claims submitted electronically and the use of CAS segments on MSP electronically submitted claims. This same information was published again in the July Newsletter issued August 5, 2009.
Providers need to be pay particular attention to an important requirement in Change Request 6426: Effective October 5, 2009 providers are no longer allowed to submit their MSP claims - initial claims or adjustments - via DDE. This is due to CMS using the 837 Institutional CAS segments on MSP claims. Please refer to the Business Requirements table, requirement number 6426.15.
Since MSP adjustments are typically submitted through DDE, an additional education instruction will be forthcoming.
New Jersey Part A Claims Suspending in SMCABL
There appears to be a problem with certain New Jersey Part A claims pending a Common Working File (CWF) response from 09/16/09 and 09/18/09. These claims are erroneously pending in Status Location SMCABL. We are working with Companion Data Services and CWF to resolve the problem. Website will be updated when more information is available.
September 2, 2009
Attention Part A Providers - Drug HCPCs Causing Claims to RTP!
A potential problem has been identified on claims containing Drug HCPCS. These claims are RTPing incorrectly with a Reason Code 32404. This issue involves invalid HCPCS localities being moved to the claim. This issue has been reported to the Fiscal Intermediary Standard System maintainer (FISS).
August 10, 2009
Attention all Part A EDI Customers!
Updated Alert: The problem with missing service line units in the SVC05 Quantities Field has been corrected by the Fiscal Intermediary Shared System (FISS) maintainer.
Original Alert: ERA issues have been identified where the SVC Quantities Field is showing zeros. This problem has been reported to the Fiscal Intermediary Shared System (FISS) maintainer and is currently being researched. A follow-up message will be delivered when we have updates regarding this issue.
August 3, 2009
Attention - Slow response time!
The Fiscal Intermediaries Shared System (FISS), Medicare Claims System (MCS) and the Common Working File (CWF) are experiencing slow response time. Slow response time could also be affecting other systems. The issue has been reported to the Enterprise Data Center. We will update you via this website.
July 29, 2009
Production regions availability on 08/01/09!
Due to the Companion Data Services running the monthly cycles on Friday, 7/31/09, the Production regions may not be available until 10:00 AM EST Saturday, 8/01/09. Website will be updated if any issue arise.
July 24, 2009
Attention All Part A EDI Customers
Due to a system problem, the 997 and IG Edit Reports for claim files submitted on 07/22/2009 were not available. Please do not resubmit your claims. The electronic reports for the 07/22/2009 claim submissions should be available for retrieval today, 07/24/2009. We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may have caused.
July 16, 2009
HIMR AVAILABILITY SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2009
Due to a Mid-Atlantic Host transition to a new Host Site, HIMR access may not be available on Saturday. If HIMR is available, you may experience problems with accessing and/or intermittent delays.
July 15, 2009
Remittance Notices
We are aware of an issue with some providers not receiving their paper remittances. This does not impact payment and checks have been received. We have notified the Standard FISS maintainer and will update the alert as soon more information is available.
July 06, 2009
Attention Part A J12 FISS Production Regions
The J12 FISS Production Regions are experiencing slow response time. The problem has been reported to the Companion Data Center (CDS) and is being investigated. This is impacting the IVR and FISS claims processing.
July 01, 2009
FISS Batch Cycles and FISS Online Availability
UPDATE 2: The system problems at the CDS data center which were causing significant wait time have been corrected and the Part A FISS systems are working normally. We appreciate your patience as the data center has worked to correct this issue.
UPDATE 1: We are experiencing signficant wait time in our PA/MD/DC/NJ and DE Part A FISS systems. These delays are caused by additional system problems at the CDS Data Center. We do not have an estimated time for correcting this issue. Due to the significant system problems encountered last night and continuing this morning, please expect continued significant wait time when accessing the FISS system. Additional updates will issued as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL ALERT: The Companion Data Center (CDS) is having hardware problems which impacted the completion of the PA/MD/DC/NJ and DE Part A FISS batch cycles and the FISS online availability. All Part A onlines are now available, however, as a result of the delay in completing the cycles, issuance of ERA and EFTs will be delayed. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
July 01, 2009
Attention Part A EDI Customers - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, District of Columbia, and Maryland Only
Due to a system problem, the ANSI ASC X12N 835 Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) for retrieval today, 07/01/2009, are not yet available. We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause. A follow-up message will be delivered when the reports are available.
June 29, 2009
MD/DC Problems with Reason Codes 32103/32104 and viewing of claims via DDE - Corrected
LATEST UPDATE: HMS worked with FISS and CDS to systematically fix the claims that RTPed incorrectly due to the NPI and reason codes 32103 and 32104 that occurred on June 22 and/or June 23. All of these claims were brought back into the FISS on Friday (6/26) for processing. There is not action needed by the providers impacted.
June 26, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is alerting all providers, physicians, and suppliers to a problem that occurred during the timeframe of May 26-28, 2009, and would have negatively impacted their patients' crossover claims.
On the indicated dates, Medicare contractors that utilize the Common Working File (CWF) Southeast host site for paid claims authorization for their beneficiaries who primarily reside, or until recently resided, in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, the United States Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico did not receive the customary confirmation from their host site that various claims were selected for crossover. The identified problem, which arose as part of the second CWF contractor transition, would have inhibited the crossing over of claims billed to Part A and Part B Medicare Administrative Contractors, carriers, fiscal intermediaries, and Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors roughly during the timeframe of May 22-25, 2009, inclusive.
The CMS regrets the negative impact that the aforementioned Southeast CWF host site transition problem has caused and recommends that individual providers, physicians, and suppliers take the following action: Examine your remittance advice or standard paper remittance advice to determine if your patients' claims are identified as having been crossed over to your patients' supplemental insurers. If you determine these claims were not crossed over, you are within your rights to submit claims to your patients' insurers for supplemental payment using methodologies acceptable to those entities.
Questions concerning this broadcast may be directed to your local Medicare contractor's Provider Relations Call Center.
June 24, 2009
MD/DC Problems with Reason Codes 32103/32104 and viewing of claims via DDE - Corrected
Updated Alert (6/29): HMS worked with FISS and CDS to systematically fix the claims that RTPed incorrectly due to the NPI and reason codes 32103 and 32104 that occurred on June 22 and/or June 23. All of these claims were brought back into the FISS on Friday (6/26) for processing. There is not action needed by the providers impacted.
Updated Alert: The problem affecting Maryland/DC providers associated with the NPI and reason codes 32103 and 32104 has been corrected. There was a FISS problem that caused the MD NPIs to be dropped from our files. Providers should now be able to access claims in FISS. HMS is working with FISS and CDS to determine if we can systematically fix the claims that RTPed incorrectly. We will issue another listserv message advising if we can correct these claims or if the providers will have to rebill.
Original Alert: Highmark Medicare Services (HMS) has identified a problem affecting Maryland/DC providers only associated with reason codes 32103 and 32104. It appears there may be a problem with the NPI files and claims are receiving reason codes 32103 and/or 32104. HMS is working diligently with the CDS to isolate the problem and determine a resolution. For the interim, all claims receiving reason code 32103 and 32104 will be suspended until the problem is corrected. We have also received reports that the Maryland/DC providers are not able to view or access their claims via DDE. We believe this is also part of the NPI problem. As soon as the resolution has been implemented, we will issue another listserv message and post the resolution on this website.
Attention: Fiscal Intermediary Standard System (FISS) Unavailable!
We are aware of the problem with the Fiscal Intermediary Standard System (FISS) either moving slowly or not allowing access. This problem appears to be either at the Data Center or with AT&T and is impacting all Contractors. We will update you via the internet when we have more information.
A system problem generated claim rejections on the Implementation Guide (IG) Edit Report dated June 22, 2009. Claims submitted electronically by District of Columbia and Maryland Part A EDI customers incorrectly rejected with the error "Invalid NPI". District of Columbia and Maryland providers will need to resubmit the rejected claims identified on the June 22, 2009 IG Edit Report. In an effort to minimize the impact to our District of Columbia and Maryland EDI customers, claims submitted electronically between 4:00PM June 22 and 4:00PM June 23, 2009 will be resubmitted for the providers. The IG Edit Report for these claims will be available on Thursday, June 25, 2009. We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused.
June 23, 2009
MD/DC Problems with Reason Codes 32103/32104 and viewing of claims via DDE!
Highmark Medicare Services (HMS) has identified a problem affecting Maryland/DC providers only associated with reason codes 32103 and 32104. It appears there may be a problem with the NPI files and claims are receiving reason codes 32103 and/or 32104. HMS is working diligently with the CDS to isolate the problem and determine a resolution. For the interim, all claims receiving reason code 32103 and 32104 will be suspended until the problem is corrected. We have also received reports that the Maryland/DC providers are not able to view or access their claims via DDE. We believe this is also part of the NPI problem. As soon as the resolution has been implemented, we will issue another listserv message and post the resolution on this website.
J12 Part A Merge Region experiencing slow response time!
Updated Alert: AT&T has implemented a configuration change in the J12 Merge Region to correct the slow response time.
Original Alert: There have been some reports of slow response time in the J12 Part A Merge Region. This is impacting IVR response time. Highmark Medicare Services is working with the Companion Data Center (CDS) and with AT&T. We will continue to update providers via the internet as we work thru this problem. We apologize for any inconvenience.
June 22, 2009
Part A Providers in the new merged (PA,MD/DC,NJ Regions
For Part A providers in the new merged (PA,MD/DC, NJ) region - due to the merging of a number of key files you may find some differences in how your claims edit against those files. These differences should be a low volume because the files in each region were set up in a similar manor but, may not have been identical. Please be sure to refer back to the reason code narrative for an explanation of the edit/error.
June 19, 2009
Duplicate claims affecting Part A NJ, MD/DC, PA, and DE regions due to BSI/DCN fix.
A FISS utility that was run to correct BSI/DCN assignments has created some duplicate claims. The duplicate claims may be suspended in location SMCABL, may be suspended with U5600, or RTP'd with C7055.
As of 060809, a utility supplied by FISS has been run to correct the DCN assignment when low values populated the bytes for the BSI. The utility was to select off claims with "..X" in the BSI/DCN, and correct all files associated with the claims. The utility, however, has corrected DCNs but also created duplicate claims, without selecting off the erred ones. The duplicate claims are appearing in the PA, NJ, DE, and MD/DC regions. They may be suspended in location SMCABL, may be suspended with U5600, or RTP'd with C7055. The issue has been reported to FISS with a critical priority. Additional information to this alert will be issued when an update has been received from FISS.
June 16, 2009
Customer Contact Center Update
Highmark Medicare Services is still experiencing system problems. We have been in contact with the standard system maintainer and have escalated this problem to the highest level. We appreciate your patience.
June 10, 2009
Attention NJ Providers Only - Problem with the NJ HCPCS File
UPDATE: The problem identified this morning related to the NJ HCPCS file which caused claims to incorrectly returned to the provider (RTP) with Reason Code 32404 has been corrected. The Enterprise Data Center (CDS) will retrieve the impacted claims which are currently in Status/location TB9900. These claims will be moved back to the start of the system. No provider action is needed. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The NJ Part A HCPCS file was showing no data this morning (6/10) which caused claims to be returned to the provider (RTP) in error. The Enterprise Data Center (CDS) has been notified and has just corrected the file to restore the HCPCS data. Please do not correct claims that incorrectly RTPed with Reason Code 32404. We will issue an update via the web as soon as we work through a recovery plan with the CDS. We apologize for any inconvenience.
June 9, 2009
Attention Part A DDE Providers - DDE providers - Deleting Revenue Code Lines
There is a problem in the Fiscal Intermediary Standard System that is preventing DDE providers from deleting Revenue Code Lines. FISS is aware and is working on the problem. Until the fix is received and implemented (no target date yet), DDE providers will need to delete and re-enter the Revenue Lines using the following workaround:
For Return to Provider (RTP) claims: Place the cursor on the revenue code of the line to be deleted and hit the 'END' key, then hit enter. This should open up the columns associated with the revenue code line. Then use the 'END' & 'TAB' keys to remove the data in that particular row. After the entire line is deleted, you should tab down and re-enter the corrected line under the 0001 total charge line.
Note:
1.You must change the 0001 total charges accordingly, then depress the PF9 key to store the claim.
2.Ensure the keypad has the "END' key set to 'erase to end of field'. Otherwise, instructions for RTP claims will not work.
Note: You must change the 0001 total charges accordingly, then depress the PF9 key to store the claim.
June 3, 2009
Attention Part A DDE providers - FISS System Issue
There is a documented Fiscal Intermediary Standard System (FISS) problem impacting Part A DDE providers. The problem as reported is that DDE providers are not able to correct claims by using the 'D', HOME, or ENTER keys. FISS is actively working on the problem which is impacting all contractors. HMS is currently determining if there is a workaround. We will keep providers updated via the internet.
June 1, 2009
Attention PA/MD/DC/NJ Part A Customers - FISS DDE Online Screen Changes
With the implementation to standardize headers on the DDE screen pages June 1, 2009 the FISS standard system maintainer changed the functionality of the 'HOME' key to default to the 'SC' field. FISS DDE Online Screen Changes
May 19, 2009
Attention PA/MD/DC/NJ Part A Customers
Incorrect Additional Documentation Request (ADR) letters were issued on 5/08/09 and 5/11/09. Please review your ADRs before responding. ADRs affected have a date of 5/08/09 or 5/11/09. Next, if the DCN (document control number) on the ADR does not match the DCN for that same claim in FISS, you have an invalid ADR. Please do not respond to that documentation request.
April 29, 2009
Attention PA/MD/DC/NJ Part A Customers! FISS System Unavailable on May 2, 2009
As a result of J12 Part A FISS Merge transition activities, PA, NJ and MD/DC FISS processing systems will not be available on Saturday, May 2, 2009. Therefore, DDE and IVR access to these regions will not be available. We expect to resume normal business activity on Monday, May 4, 2009. Note, the Delaware Part A system is not impacted by this issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Thank you!
April 28, 2009
Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs)
UPDATE 2: The FISS Shared System Maintainer has indicated the MSN problem is happening in all J12 Part A contract areas as well as in all other Medicare contract areas. The problem occurs when a claim has completed processing but the FISS system fails to assign a "processed date". As a result, the FISS system is plugging incorrect data into the DATE fields when generating the MSN. The FISS Maintainer has indicated the expected volume is very small. The correction of this problem has been made a high priority, however, a release date has not yet been identified. HMS will update this alert once the scheduled release date has been identified.
UPDATE 1: After a detailed analysis, it was determined that the routine quarterly MSNs were not a problem. The problem appears to be isolated to MSNs that are manually generated based on a request from a beneficiary. Until this problem is resolved, we will not mail manually requested MSNs for Delaware.
ORIGINAL ALERT: Delaware (DE) Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) are generating with incorrect data in the Date fields and in the 'Summary of Claims Processed' statement. A problem has been found with DE MSNs being generated with incorrect data in the DATE fields, upper right hand corner of the forms. Also, the MSN 'Summary of Claims Processed' statement is listing this date with all zeros. These issues are being investigated by FISS. Once FISS has provided their findings an update will be provided.
April 17, 2009
UPDATE: After a detailed analysis, it was determined that the routine quarterly MSNs were not a problem. The problem appears to be isolated to MSNs that are manually generated based on a request from a beneficiary. Until this problem is resolved, we will not mail manually requested MSNs for Delaware.
ORIGINAL ALERT: Delaware (DE) Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) are generating with incorrect data in the Date fields and in the 'Summary of Claims Processed' statement. A problem has been found with DE MSNs being generated with incorrect data in the DATE fields, upper right hand corner of the forms. Also, the MSN 'Summary of Claims Processed' statement is listing this date with all zeros. These issues are being investigated by FISS. Once FISS has provided their findings an update will be provided.
April 14, 2009
Availability of Internet-Based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be making changes at its Data Center that will affect the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS).
As a result, physicians, non-physician practitioners, and provider and supplier organizations will not be able to access Internet-based PECOS from 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 16, until 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, April 20. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Attention Part A Providers
Delaware (DE) Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) are generating with incorrect data in the Date fields and in the 'Summary of Claims Processed' statement. A problem has been found with DE MSNs being generated with incorrect data in the DATE fields, upper right hand corner of the forms. Also, the MSN 'Summary of Claims Processed' statement is listing this date with all zeros. These issues are being investigated by FISS. Once FISS has provided their findings an update will be provided.
March 17, 2009
Attention PA/MD/DC and NJ Part A Providers Only: EDI Claims
UPDATE #4 - Final Update: Companion Data Services (CDS), the Enterprise Data Center was not able to systematically resubmit claims where both the original and the duplicate claim rejected against each other. If a provider has claims that fall under this scenario, they will need to resubmit those claims for payment.
UPDATE #3: The majority of the duplicate claims were inactivated with the original claims processing correctly. We do have some claims remaining in which both the original and the duplicate claim duplicated against each other. We are still attempting to systemically resolve this scenario. A provider may choose to resubmit those claims where both the original and the duplicate claim rejected against each other at any time.
UPDATE #2: Highmark Medicare Services has confirmed that the EDI files from 2/10/09 were correctly loaded to the FISS processing system last night. In addition, the EDI files from 2/11/09 were also correctly loaded to the FISS processing system last night. Highmark Medicare Services is continuing to work with CDS in regard to the duplicate claim file for 2/09/09. As soon as a final resolution is identified, additional information will be provided.
UPDATE #1: Companion Data Services (CDS), the Enterprise Data Center has identified two problems relating to Part A EDI claims for PA/MD/DC and NJ Part A Providers. First, EDI claims submitted on 2/09/09 were entered into the system twice. The first time they were submitted correctly on 2/09/09 while the second submission was performed on 2/10/09. This second submission has caused several claims processing issues including claim rejections to take place. Highmark Medicare Services is working with CDS to resolve these issues. Providers should not take any action regarding this duplicate submission unless otherwise directed by Highmark Medicare Services. The second issue identified by CDS concerns EDI claims submitted on 2/10/09. As we noted earlier, the EDI claims for 2/10/09 were not loaded into the FISS system. Highmark Medicare Services is working with CDS to resubmit these claims with the correct Received Date.
We will update this alert as additional information is identified.
ALERT: Due to a systems issue, the Part A EDI claims received on 02/10/09 for PA/MD/DC and NJ were not loaded into the FISS system. Please do NOT resubmit these claims, this is an internal issue and the claims will be resubmitted systematically. We apologize for any inconvenience.
February 26, 2009
Attention Part A Providers
We have learned that ICD-9-CM procedure code 00.01 (therapeutic ultrasound of head and neck) was inadvertently left out of the MCE software edit tables provided to FISS. If your claims with discharge dates on or after October 1,2008 contain this procedure code, your claims will receive one of the following FISS edits: W0564, W0565, W0566, W1467, W1468, or W1469. These edits are set to RTP. If you receive one of these edits when using the valid procedure code on claims with discharge dates on or after October 1, 2008, please call our Customer Contact Center at 1-877-235-8048 to request assistance in working your claims. Also, an incorrect instruction was contained in the MCE software edits for ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes 209.00 - 209.69. The instructional note stated to "code first" another condition. The correct instruction is that ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes 209.00 - 209.69 may be coded and reported as a principal diagnosis. The FISS edit involved is W1443, which is currently set to RTP. If you receive this FISS edit on your claims with one of these valid diagnosis codes, please call our Customer Contact Center at 1-877-235-8048 to request assistance in working your claims.
February 24, 2009
Attention PA and MD Part A Providers, with Carrier Number 09102
There was a problem that affected some PA and MD Providers when a carrier number 09102, (previously 00590) is involved. This problem occurred between February 3 and February 5, 2009 because the carrier number change was overlaid from 09102 back to carrier number 00590. This caused 686 claims in PA and 97 claims in MD, to be returned to Providers incorrectly with reason code 32404. If you had claims returned for reason code 32404 incorrectly during February 3 through February 5, 2009, please resubmit the affected claims.
February 24, 2009
Attention PA/MD/DC and NJ Part A Providers Only: EDI Claims
UPDATE #3: The majority of the duplicate claims were inactivated with the original claims processing correctly. We do have some claims remaining in which both the original and the duplicate claim duplicated against each other. We are still attempting to systemically resolve this scenario. A provider may choose to resubmit those claims where both the original and the duplicate claim rejected against each other at any time.
UPDATE #2: Highmark Medicare Services has confirmed that the EDI files from 2/10/09 were correctly loaded to the FISS processing system last night. In addition, the EDI files from 2/11/09 were also correctly loaded to the FISS processing system last night. Highmark Medicare Services is continuing to work with CDS in regard to the duplicate claim file for 2/09/09. As soon as a final resolution is identified, additional information will be provided.
UPDATE #1: Companion Data Services (CDS), the Enterprise Data Center has identified two problems relating to Part A EDI claims for PA/MD/DC and NJ Part A Providers. First, EDI claims submitted on 2/09/09 were entered into the system twice. The first time they were submitted correctly on 2/09/09 while the second submission was performed on 2/10/09. This second submission has caused several claims processing issues including claim rejections to take place. Highmark Medicare Services is working with CDS to resolve these issues. Providers should not take any action regarding this duplicate submission unless otherwise directed by Highmark Medicare Services. The second issue identified by CDS concerns EDI claims submitted on 2/10/09. As we noted earlier, the EDI claims for 2/10/09 were not loaded into the FISS system. Highmark Medicare Services is working with CDS to resubmit these claims with the correct Received Date.
We will update this alert as additional information is identified.
Original Message: Due to a systems issue, the Part A EDI claims received on 02/10/09 for PA/MD/DC and NJ were not loaded into the FISS system. Please do NOT resubmit these claims, this is an internal issue and the claims will be resubmitted systematically. We apologize for any inconvenience.
February 11, 2009
Attention PA/MD/DC and NJ Part A Providers Only: EDI Claims
Due to a systems issue, the Part A EDI claims received on 02/10/09 for PA/MD/DC and NJ were not loaded into the FISS system. Please do NOT resubmit these claims, this is an internal issue and the claims will be resubmitted systematically. We apologize for any inconvenience.
January 26, 2009
01/26/2009 at 11:50 AM)Attention Part A - IVR Check Option - Information Not Available
UPDATE: The check option will be available on Monday, February 2, 2009.
UPDATE: Highmark is working with CMS and FISS to resolve this issue.
Original Message: 01/07/2009 at 12:05 PM Due to a FISS IVR progamming issue identified with the January release, check information is not available via the IVR. This does not affect the issuing of checks. It only affects the ability of the IVR to read the check file.
January 14, 2009
Attention Part A - CMS JSM 09129 Hold all OPPS claims
Per CMS JSM 09129 - FIs and A/B MACs have been instructed to hold all OPPS claims with a DOS on or after 01/01/2009 until further notice due to a Fiscal Intermediary Shared System problem with OPPS outlier calculations.
January 7, 2009
Attention Part A - IVR Check Option - Information Not Available
Due to a FISS IVR progamming issue identified with the January release, check information is not available via the IVR. This does not affect the issuing of checks. It only affects the ability of the IVR to read the check file.
December 16, 2008
Attention Delaware Part A Providers Only - COBC Issue Update
Highmark Medicare Services previously reported a problem with COBC crossover files for DE Part A. Several of the crossover records in the files sent post- transition had the old contractor number. FISS is currently still working on resolution to this problem. A resolution to this issue is not expected until January. We will continue to update the website as information is received.
December 3, 2008
Attention Delaware Part A Providers Only - COBC Issue Identified
Highmark Medicare Services has been alerted to a problem with COBC crossover files for DE Part A. Several of the crossover records in the files sent post-transition have the old contractor number. GHI has requested that the files be corrected and resent.
November 25, 2008
Attention DE Part A Providers Only - PIP/Pass-Thru Payments
The first J12 MAC PIP/Pass-Thru cycle for Delaware Part A will be executed on 11/26/2008 with the payment being issued on 12/01/2008. The next PIP/Pass-Thru cycle will be executed on 12/11/2008 with the payment being issued on 12/15/2008 and biweekly there after.
November 20, 2008
11/20/2008 at 9:05 AM)Attention Delaware Part A Providers
Highmark Medicare Services has been notified by CDS concerning a problem with the last NGS batch cycle for CT/NY/DE Part A providers on 11/13/08. A system problem during this last batch cycle caused approximately 700 Delaware Part A claims to be rejected incorrectly with reason code 32104. The problem was corrected and has not impacted any post transition batch cycles run by CDS for Delaware Part A. Highmark Medicare Services will be identifying the impacted claims and taking corrective action to reprocess the claims. Delaware Part A providers should not need to take any action concerning these claims. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this system problem.
November 7, 2008
Maryland HCPC Pricing Issue with Certain Codes
A situation has been identified specific to certain MD HCPCS records missing the 7-1-08 pricing level. HMS is currently working with CDS and FISS to identify the cause and the scope of the problem. At this time we believe the problem impacted a small universe of HCPC records. As records are identified as being incorrect, we are manually updating in order to ensure future claims process correctly. Also, the affected claims will be identified for adjustments.
October 31, 2008
Update Message concerning Reason Codes 38067 and 38068
Until FISS implements the correction to this problem, Highmark Medicare Services is continuing to suspend these claims for manual review. Claims receiving these reason codes in error are being released to continue processing. Those claims that correctly received these reason codes are being returned. Original Message: Reason Codes 38067 and 38068 are being incorrectly applied to Inpatient/Outpatient overlap claims. FISS has identified the problem and is working diligently to get this resolved as quickly as possible.
October 15, 2008
Reason Code 30949
A problem has been reported to FISS with condition codes being altered or dropped by FISS. This is happening when suspended claims are being worked. The claims are returning inappropriately with reason code 30949. FISS is working diligently to identify the source of the problem and get this resolved as quickly as possible. Additional information will be posted when it is available.
September 23, 2008
Reason Codes 38067 and 38068
UPDATE MESSAGEUntil FISS can correct this issue, Highmark will be suspending these claims for manual review.
Original Message:Reason codes 38067 and 38068 are being incorrectly applied to Inpatient/Outpatient overlap claims. FISS has identified the problem and is working diligently to get this resolved as quickly as possible.
Attention Providers - PA, MD/DC and NJ Part A FISS Regions
UPDATE: The PA Part A FISS region is now available.
UPDATE: The NJ and MD/DC Part A FISS regions are now available. We will advise you when the PA region is available Thank you for your patience!
The PA, MD/DC and NJ Part A FISS regions are currently unavailable. Problems encountered at the CMS Enterprise Data Center are currently impacting all of the Highmark Medicare Services Part A processing regions. An estimated time for system availability is not yet known. Please check back to our website for updates as they become available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
September 22, 2008
ATTENTION PART A PROVIDERS - Pennsylvania Part A FISS Region
UPDATE!The Pennsylvania Part A Production FISS region became available at 8:30 AM. Thank you for your patience.
Original Message: As of 7:00 AM on Monday, September 22, 2008, The Pennsylvania Part A FISS Region is not available. Companion Data Services, the Enterprise Data Center, is researching the issue. An expected time for availability of the system is not yet known. This message will be updated as more information is made available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
September 18, 2008
Attention Part A Pennsylvania and New Jersey EDI customers:
The X12N 997 Functional Acknowledgment, X12N 277 Claim Status Inquiry Response, IG Edit Reports, and the X12N 835 Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) for September 17, 2008 are not available at this time. We are in the process of resolving this issue and a follow-up listserv will be sent when the files are available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Attention Providers - PA, MD/DC and NJ Part A FISS Regions
The PA, MD/DC and NJ Part A FISS regions are currently unavailable. Problems encountered at the CMS Enterprise Data Center are currently impacting all of the Highmark Medicare Services Part A processing regions. An estimated time for system availability is not yet known. Please check back to our website for updates as they become available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
September 17, 2008
Reason Codes 38067 and 38068
Reason codes 38067 and 38068 are being incorrectly applied to Inpatient/Outpatient overlap claims. FISS has identified the problem and is working diligently to get this resolved as quickly as possible. Additional information will be posted when it is available.
September 8, 2008
ATTENTION PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, and DC PART A ERA RECEIVERS
UPDATE: The X12N 835 Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) is now available for retrieval from your electronic mailbox on the Stratus Telecommunication Server. Thank you for your patience.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: Due to system maintenance on September 2, 2008, the X12N 835 Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) may be delayed daily the week of September 2, 2008, to validate accuracy prior to distribution. Typically, Highmark Medicare Services expects to post these reports to your electronic mailbox on the Stratus Telecommunication Server by 8:30 AM Eastern Time, but due to this system maintenance, the delivery of these files may be delayed each day. A follow-up listserv will be sent daily when the files are available for retrieval. We apologize for any inconvenience.
September 5, 2008
Highmark Medicare Services has become aware of DDE access issues for some of our NJ Part A Providers. Based on our analysis, it appears that some DDE Provider Access records were not moved from the Riverbend NJ A region to the new Highmark Medicare Services NJ Part A region during cutover weekend. We are currently working with Riverbend to identify the impacted access records and we are planning to add any impacted records by close of business Friday, September 5, 2008 if not sooner. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Also, during the transition weekend, the Enterprise Data Center (EDC) deleted numerous logon IDs for New Jersey Part A FISS. Highmark Medicare Services requested these IDs to be reinstated by EDC on 9/3/2008. As a result of the reinstatement process, the impacted user IDs were reset to the default password. If you are receiving a password error when attempting to utilize your FISS DDE logon for the New Jersey Part A system, please refer to the password reset instructions and the RACF ID and Password Rules.
September 4, 2008
Attention NJ Part A Providers Only - NPI Crosswalk Issues
We are aware of a transition issue that caused some NPIs to be omitted from the Part A NJ crosswalk file. This problem could have been the basis for unexpected claim rejections for some of our customers. Please be assured that we have identified the root cause of the problem and are working toward an immediate resolution. Once the problem is resolved, customers affected by this issue will be required to resubmit all rejected claims. We will publish an update as soon as possible and apologize for the inconvenience.
Attention NJ Part A Providers Only - Claims Suspending in Error
The CDS is currently experiencing technical difficulties. This has caused some claims to pend in Status Location SB0100 which is the start of the systems cycle. The CDS is currently working to resolve the problem. We will notify you of any updates via the website and listserv. Thank you!
September 3, 2008
ATTENTION PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, and DC PART A ERA RECEIVERS
Due to system maintenance on September 2, 2008, the X12N 835 Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) may be delayed daily the week of September 2, 2008, to validate accuracy prior to distribution. Typically, Highmark Medicare Services expects to post these reports to your electronic mailbox on the Stratus Telecommunication Server by 8:30 AM Eastern Time, but due to this system maintenance, the delivery of these files may be delayed each day. A follow-up listserv will be sent daily when the files are available for retrieval. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Attention Pennsylvania andEDI Customers
The X12N 835 Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) is now available for retrieval from your electronic mailbox on the Stratus Telecommunication Server. Thank you for your patience.
Due to a technical problem at the Enterprise Data Center (EDC), the Accept/Return to Provider reports for retrieval today (09/02/08) have been delayed and are not yet available. A follow-up listserv will be sent when the reports become available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
September 2, 2008
Attention Pennsylvania EDI Customers:
(Updated) The Accept/Return-to-Provider (RTP) Report for retrieval today (09/02/08) is now available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Due to a technical problem at the Enterprise Data Center (EDC), the Accept/Return to Provider reports for retrieval today (09/02/08) have been delayed and are not yet available. A follow-up listserv will be sent when the reports become available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
August 21, 2008
FISS and CWF Edits Deductibles
Highmark Medicare Services is currently investigating a potential problem with claims that are inappropriately receiving FISS and CWF edits concerning deductibles. We are suspending those claims to status location SMDEDT while the problem is being researched. We appreciate your patience while we research this problem and will notify you when the problem has been resolved.
July 25, 2008
Electronic Report Delays for Pennsylvania Part A Customers
Follow-Up Message:
Attention Pennsylvania EDI customers: The Part A Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) files, and the Accept/Return to Provider reports for retrieval today, July 25th, are now available. Thank you for your patience.
Initial Message:
Attention Pennsylvania EDI customers: The Part A Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) files, and the Accept/Return to Provider reports for retrieval today, July 25th, are not available at this time. We are in the process of resolving this issue and we will notify you when the files are available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
July 17, 2008
The FISS Financial system issue which was reported 07/15/08 has been resolved. We have performed a payment validation and have verified that the payment cycle included input from 7/14, 7/15 and 7/16. Highmark Medicare Services has released checks, remittances, EFTs, and ERAs are now available.
July 16, 2008
ERA Delays for PA Part A Customers
The Pennsylvania Part A Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) reports scheduled for retrieval today are not available at this time. We are in the process of resolving this issue, and we will notify you when the reports are available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
July 15, 2008
Attention PA Part A (updated 07/15/08)
There remains an issue with the FISS financial system which was reported earlier. Due to time constraints, the FISS financial cycles for 7/14/2008 and 7/15/2008, will be combined. Once the combined financial cycle has completed, we will perform a payment validation before any checks, remittances, EFTs, or ERAs are released. We will notify you via the website and listserv of any changes. Thank you for your patience.
July 8, 2008
For Medicare Part A - Pennsylvania
Due to a technical issue, Medicare checks and Electronic Remittance Advices (ERAs) were not generated on 07/04/2008 as expected. Medicare checks and ERAs from 07/04/08 and 07/07/08 will be combined. The combined 07/04/08 and 07/07/08 Medicare ERA files should be available for retrieval by 11:00 A.M. on 07/08/08.
July 3, 2008
Attention Part A EDI Customers:
Due to a technical problem at the Enterprise Data Center (EDC), the delivery of the IG Edit reports and the ANSI ASC X12N 835 Electronic Remittance Advice(ERA) dated July 2, 2008 are delayed and not yet available. A follow-up listserv will be sent when the reports and ERA files are available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
June 17, 2008
Attention! HIQA Inquiry Errors
Providers have reported a problem when attempting to inquiry into HIQA. They are receiving a message "Invalid Intermediary". We are currently investigating this issue and will inform you of our progress at this location. Thank you for your patience.
June 12, 2008
Attention! Issues With Some Claims In FISS
A workaround has been provided until the fix is installed. Please do the following:- If claims are manually entered: after claim information is entered, hit the "enter" key on each page before proceeding to the next page. Anytime a change is made to a screen, hit the "enter" key to secure the information just entered.
- If claims are uploaded systematically: go to the page in which the charge and rate resides (MAP 1712). Delete the rate and re-enter the rate manually, hit the "enter" key and then PF9.
- Claims that are on the RTP file: Pull the claim off the RTP file, go to the page in which the charge and rate resides (MAP1712). Delete the spaces in the rate field and re-enter the rate manually, hit the "enter" key and then PF9.
- After PF9 (and no other reason codes assigned) the claim will be in status location SB2500 in FISS and the rate should be present on the charge page (MAP 1712).
June 6, 2008
Attention! Issues With Some Claims In FISS
A problem has been identified by some DDE providers: When entering claims, the rates entered are disappearing and then the claims are RTPing with 32212 because the rate is missing. The problem has been reported to the Standard System Maintainer (FISS) and they are working to correct it. Some providers have advised when they work the claims from the RTP status, the rates are then retained. We will keep you updated of the progress as far as a FISS fix.
June 4, 2008
Electronic Report Delays for Pennsylvania Part A Customers
Attention Pennsylvania EDI customers: The IG Edit Reports are now available for retrieval. The Part A Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) files and the Accept/Return to Provider reports are not available at this time. We are continuing to investigate this issue and we will notify you when the files are available.
June 3, 2008
Attention PA/MD/DC Part A Customers! FISS System Unavailable on June 7th.
As a result of J12 MAC transition activities, PA and MD/DC FISS processing systems will not be available on Saturday, June 7, 2008. We expect to resume normal business activity on Monday, June 9, 2008. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Thank you!
Electronic Report Delays for Pennsylvania Part A Customers
Attention Pennsylvania EDI customers: The Part A Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) files, the IG Edit Reports and the Accept/Return to Provider reports for retrieval today, June 3rd, are not available at this time. We are in the process of resolving this issue and we will notify you when the files are available.
April 11, 2008
Attention Part A Pennsylvania EDI BILLERS - Reports Now Available
The following Pennsylvania files and reports for data received 04/07/08 and 04/08/08 are now available for retrieval: 277 Responses, 997 Responses, IG Edit Reports. Due to technical issues at the EDC, the following files and reports were not created on 04/08/08. However, these files and reports were created and are available for retrieval today. The files listed here are available for retrieval today and contain both 04/07/08 and 04/08/08 data: 835 ERA and Forced Balance/Out of Balance Reports, Accept Return to Provider Reports.
April 8, 2008
Attention: PA And MD Providers
CMS has instructed FIs to hold all claims received 4/5/08 or later until recently received standard systems changes can be tested an validated. The claims are being held in Status/Location SMOPPS with Reason Code WW001. This is a temporary edit to suspend all claims with receipt dates greater than 04/04/08. We will notify you as soon as validation is completed and the claims are released. Update: All payments and remittances for payments of 4/8 and 4/9 were issued today on remittances date 04/09/08.
Attention PA Part A Providers Only:
The Enterprise Data Center (EDC) has notified us that there were a number of problems when attempting to run the Batch Cycle, relating to the quarterly release installation. This has impacted several contractors under EDC. In order to bring the on-line Production up timely today, the EDC had to delay running the Batch Cycle for 04/07/08 until tonight. (04/08/08). Therefore, no payments or remittances were issued. Update: All claims have been released with the exception of those routinely held for Pricer payment verification.
April 7, 2008
Attention: PA and MD Providers
Effective with the 4/7/08 cycle due to recent FISS enhancements related to NPI, the NPI will populate the provider number field on the Remittance Advice, ERA and Standard Paper Remit (SPR) when:
- There is a CCN/NPI combination on the claim
- There is a NPI only on the claim
- If there is a CCN only on the claim, the provider number field will contain the CCN
March 11, 2008
Attention Part A Pennsylvania Electronic Accept/Return-to-Provider Report Recipients
Due to a technical issue, some Accept/Return-to-Provider (RTP) Reports were not distributed electronically last Thursday, March 06, 2008 and Friday, March 7, 2008. The technical problem has been resolved and the missing reports are now available for retrieval. If you expected an Accept/RTP Report last Thursday or Friday, but did not receive it, the reports are now available.
March 5, 2008
Attention EDI Billers: EDI Report Availability Delayed on March 6
Due to scheduled system maintenance, the availability of EDI reports will be delayed on Thursday, March 6, 2008. This includes the following EDI reports: 997 Functional Acknowledgment, IG Edit Report, Accept/Return-to-Provider (PA only), 277 Claim Status Response, Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA), and Forced Balance/Out of Balance Reports. The EDI reports are expected to be available for retrieval by noon on Thursday, March 6, 2008. Please retrieve your reports once they become available. Thank you.
February 19, 2008
Claims Summary Screen Missing Claims - Update
Highmark Medicare Services previously reported a problem where providers were unable to view claims in the Claims Summary Screen of the FISS. This problem has been corrected and the majority of claims are now viewable in the Claims Summary screen within FISS. We will continue to update you via the website and listserv as we continue to post the missing claim information.
January 28, 2008
Attention EDI Providers PA Part A EDI Claims Received on January 25, 2008
Pennsylvania Part A EDI claims received on January 25, 2008, were sent to the Enterprise Data Center; however, the claims were not entered into the processing system until January 26, 2008. These claims will reflect a January 26, 2008, receipt date. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
January 23, 2008
Stratus Telecommunication Server Unavailability
Pennsylvania Part A EDI claims received on January 25, 2008, were sent to the Enterprise Data Center; however, the claims were not entered into the processing system until January 26, 2008. These claims will reflect a January 26, 2008, receipt date. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Deactivation of Reason Code 32151 in FISS For MD Providers
Highmark Medicare Services has received approval from CMS to deactivate Reason Code 32151 in FISS. This will temporarily resolve the problem that our Maryland providers are experiencing when submitting claims with a 13X type of bill (TOB), that do not have Revenue Code 36X and are changing to a 831 TOB. The claims will be recycled. Any claims in the Return to Provider (RTP) location, please correct the bill type from a 831 to the appropriate 13X TOB and F9 the claim. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we have worked diligently to resolve this issue.
January 18, 2008
Attention MD/DC and PA Providers EMC Claim Files UPDATE
A problem was identified in the FISS where EMC claims were rejecting incorrectly with the following error message: BILLING NPI REQD. A temporary fix has been put in place and providers can now rebill the claims.
Attention MD/DC and PA Providers Claims Summary Screen Missing Claims - Update
Highmark Medicare Services previously reported a problem where providers were unable to view claims in the Claims Summary Screen of the FISS. This problem has been corrected and the majority of claims are now viewable in the Claims Summary screen within FISS. We will continue to update you via the website and listserv as we continue to post the missing claim information.
January 17, 2008
Important Update Regarding IG Edit Report
ATTENTION EDI BILLERS: The Part A IG Edit Report problem with the "BILLING NPI REQD" error message that was identified on January 10, 2008, has been corrected. The edit logic is now working as expected. Effective for EDI claims submitted after 4PM on Thursday, January 17, 2008, the following rejection will occur on the IG Edit Report for any EDI claims submitted without an NPI reported in the 2010AA-NM109 and 2010AB-NM109 billing providers fields: "BILLING NPI REQD". To avoid this rejection, please report the billing NPI in the NM109 segment of the billing provider loops immediately if you are not already doing so.
January 10, 2008
Attention MD/DC and PA Providers - EMC Claim Files Update
A problem was identified in the FISS where EMC claims were rejecting incorrectly with the following error message: BILLING NPI REQD. A temporary fix has been put in place and providers can now rebill the claims.
January 9, 2008
Attention MD/DC and PA Providers - Important Information About EMC Claim Files
EMC Claims Files received 01/07/2008 were not loaded into FISS until 01/08/2008. The receipt date on those claims will be 01/08/2008.
January 9, 2008
Attention MD/DC and PA Providers - Claims Summary Screen Missing Claims
A problem has been identified that the Claims Summary screen within FISS is not displaying the claim information. This appears to be a display problem and had been reported to Companion Data Services (CDS). Please do not rebill the claims. We will update you via a listserv message when the problem has been corrected.
January 5, 2008
Attention Maryland Providers! Payments and Remittances Issue (Oct)
The payments and remittances scheduled to be released with the January 1, 2008 date in some cases, may also include payments for services that were not scheduled to be released until January 8, 2008. The payment amounts are correct and no actions are required on your part. We are currently investigating the cause of the problem and will keep you informed of any additional impacts.
October 25, 2007
Attention PA Providers! FISS Alert
The Fiscal Intermediary Standard System (FISS) is currently unavailable. The Enterprise Data Center (EDC) has been notified of the problem. There is no estimated time when the system will be available. We will keep you informed of the progress made to restore access to the FISS via a listserv message.
October 11, 2007
Attention PA Providers! Duplicate Payment Issue
Highmark Medicare Services has discovered a payment issue with remittances dated September 25, 2007. Duplicate payments have been issued on this date for Pennsylvania Part A providers only. The correct payment and remittance of September 24, 2007 were duplicated within the payment and remittance date of September 25, 2007. Click here for the complete bulletin on this topic.
October 3, 2007
ERA Alert for PA Part A ERA Customers
The Pennsylvania Part A Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) posted to your electronic mailbox on October 3, 2007, contains the same payment information as the Pennsylvania Part A ERA posted to your electronic mailbox on October 2, 2007.
The Pennsylvania Part A ERA posted to your mailbox on October 2, 2007, contains a file creation date of October 1, 2007 and a payment date of October 2, 2007. This ERA is a valid file and should be posted to your accounts receivable.
The Pennsylvania Part A ERA posted to your mailbox on October 3, 2007, contains a file creation date of October 2, 2007 and the SAME payment date of October 2, 2007. This ERA is an invalid file and should not be posted to your accounts receivable.
We are in the process of recovering the accurate ERA file from the Enterprise Data Center. We will post the corrected ERA to your mailbox for retrieval as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
September 28, 2007
Attention PA Part A Providers only - ERA Alert for PA Part A ERA Customers
The Pennsylvania Part A Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) posted to your electronic mailbox on September 27, 2007, contains the same payment information as the Pennsylvania Part A ERA posted to your electronic mailbox on September 26, 2007.
The Pennsylvania Part A ERA posted to your mailbox on September 26, 2007, contains a file creation date of September 25, 2007, and a payment date of September 26, 2007. This ERA is a valid file and should be posted to your accounts receivable.
The Pennsylvania Part A ERA posted to your mailbox on September 27, 2007, contains a file creation date of September 26, 2007, and the SAME payment date of September 26, 2007. This ERA is an invalid file and should not be posted to your accounts receivable.
We are in the process of recovering the accurate ERA file from the Enterprise Data Center. We will post the corrected ERA to your mailbox for retrieval as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
September 24, 2007
Attention PA Part A Providers only - Duplicate Payment Issue
Highmark Medicare Highmark Medicare Services has discovered a payment issue with remittances dated 9/25/07. It appears that duplicate payments have been issued for PA Part A providers only. The correct payment and remittance of 9/24/07 was duplicated within the payment and remittance date of 9/25/07. We are currently identifying the exact overpayment amount for each impacted provider and the appropriate recovery process. We will advise you of the resolution shortly. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
September 10, 2007
New RACF ID Info
Prior to September 10, 2007, PA Part A providers were advised to access the Highmark Medicare Services website and complete the online RACF ID PIN Request Form. As of September 10th, the online form is no longer available.
Any provider who previously completed the form correctly will receive their RACF ID, PIN and Temporary Password at the email address provided in the request form. Providers who did not complete the online request form will have their RACF ID, PIN and Temporary Password assigned by Highmark Medicare Services and mailed to the provider's address of record. Please ensure hardcopy notices are distributed to FISS ID holders in a timely manner.
September 4, 2007
Attention MD/DC Providers! FISS Logon Issue With New RACF IDs
Highmark Medicare Services is aware of the systems issue that is preventing providers from logging onto the Fiscal Intermediary Standard System (FISS) using their new RACF IDs. Providers are currently receiving the system error message TSS7145E. We have determined that this error is an Arkansas Data Center message resulting from not modifying your connectivity port. Ivans and VisionShare have provided helpdesk numbers to assist you in modifying your connectivity ports.
For those providers that use "IVANS" as their vendor and are encountering the error message - TSS7145E, they must contact IVANS Support Help Desk at:
- 1-800-548-2675
- Choose Option #3
- Then choose Option #2
For those providers that have "Vision Share" as their vendor and are encountering the error message - TSS7145E, they must contact the Vision Share Support Help Desk at 612-460-4310.
August 29, 2007
Attention MD/DC Providers! Reason Code 32103 Received in Error - Update
The Arkansas Data Center (ADC) has corrected the systems issue which caused claims to error with Reason Code 32103 incorrectly. Effective 09/28/07, the affected claims have now been recycled through the system for processing. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
August 23, 2007
Attention MD/DC Providers! Reason Code 32103 Received in Error
Provider record updates transmitted to the NPI crosswalk by the Arkansas Data Center (ADC) on 08/17/2007 are causing claims to receive Reason Code 32103 in error. These claims are being Returned to the Provider (RTP'd). The Arkansas Data Center and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be coordinating the provider record corrections. No provider action is necessary at this time. We will advise providers of the recovery process via listserv and website communication. Thank you.
August 17, 2007
Remittance problem
Due to technical difficulties within FISS, PA Part A remittances were not generated for 08/17/07. We are currently determining when those remittances can be recreated. We will send a listserv message with additional information once that determination has been made. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
August 9, 2007
ATTENTION! Transition to the Enterprise Data Center (EDC) requires that additional information be on file for all HIQA/FISS RACF ID's. In order for Highmark Medicare Services to properly support your logon ID, each logon must have an assigned email address (that accurately reflects the individual user assigned to the logon ID) as well as a user-selected Personal Identification Number (PIN) that is to be used in the event that a password reset is required.
ACTION REQUIRED!
Complete and submit the EDC Transition Customer Information Form. Completion of this form is required so that we may collect the necessary information to create your new FISS RACF ID.
Enterprise Data Center Transition
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is consolidating Medicare data center operations at more than 20 facilities into four state-of-the-art Enterprise Data Centers (EDCs). The new data centers will help Medicare accommodate a growing claims volume, standardize operations, expand electronic services, bolster security, and lower costs by hundreds of millions of dollars over the next 10 years. Click here for important information regarding the EDC transition and how it impacts providers.
July 30, 2007
Immediate Offset Requests
If you called Highmark Medicare Services Immediate Offset line (1-888-291-2623) requesting immediate offset, there was trouble with the line. We lost all messages from Wednesday, July 25, 2007 through 9:00 am the morning of Friday, July 27, 2007. The line is now working. If you left a message for immediate offset on Wednesday through 9:00 am Friday, we are asking that you fax those requests into our office. We are making three fax lines available - (717) 302-3823, (717) 302-3807 and (717) 302-4273. Thank you. We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may have caused.
July 12, 2007
System Maintenance Scheduled for Sunday, July 15, 2007
System maintenance is scheduled for Sunday, July 15, 2007 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. During this maintenance time, EDI billers who are using the Highmark Medicare Services LAN will not be able to conduct EDI transactions (drop off or pick up files via dial-up FTP). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation.
NOTE: EDI billers using the Stratus Telecommunication Server, the new Part A EDI Front-End Platform, will not be affected and will be able to conduct EDI transactions as usual.
May 31, 2007
REASON CODE 32103
We have found in most of the recently reported instances related to Reason Code 32103 there are discrepancies related to one of the data elements below. If you are receiving 32103, we encourage you to go the NPPES webpage and verify and/or update the following data elements:
1. Legal Business Name
2. Tax ID (EIN)
3. Legacy Number - the "Other Provider ID" field must be populated with the legacy number that should be matched to the NPI.
Make sure the NPPES data is saved.
May 21, 2007
Maryland FISS Now Available
The problem which was impacting Maryland FISS Providers has been corrected. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.
April 18, 2007
Alert For Maryland FISS Providers
Highmark Medicare Services has been advised that there is a problem which is impacting Maryland FISS Providers. The Arkansas Data Center has advised this is an AT&T router problem. AT&T is currently working to resolve the issue, however, there is no estimate at this time as to when it will be resolved. We will keep you posted of any additional updates. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.
March 30, 2007
Problem Impacting Maryland FISS Providers
The AT&T router problem that had impacted connectivity to the Arkansas Data Center and the Maryland/DC FISS region on Friday, March 30, 2007, has been resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience.
March 30, 2007
Problem Impacting Maryland FISS Providers
Highmark Medicare Services has been advised that there is a problem which is impacting Maryland FISS Providers. The Arkansas Data Center has advised that two AT&T routers are down. AT&T is currently working to resolve the issue, however, there is no estimate at this time as to when it will be resolved. We will keep you posted of any additional updates. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.
January 23, 2007
Incorrect Adjustments for CWF Unsolicited Responses
CMS will be issuing Change Request 5507 which will provide instructions to the FIs and CWF related to paying the claims that were incorrectly canceled. A Medlearn Matters article will be available shortly after the CR is released.
January 12, 2007
Incorrect Adjustments for CWF Unsolicited Responses
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that the Common Working File incorrectly issued unsolicited responses related to Medicare Advantage files to contractors during December 2006. For Highmark Medicare Services contract areas, approximately 1,500 Part A Claims and 7,500 Part B Claims may have been impacted. CMS is expected to issue instructions to contactors, in the near future, providing direction on how to handle the incorrect responses and the follow up activity that will be required. Additional information will be posted as it is made available.