CMS: Wellness visits payable now, no matter what your carrier may say

Why This Topic Matters

Practices needed clarity on whether to submit annual wellness visit claims immediately and how to respond to denials tied to contractor processing problems. The article helps readers understand a CMS policy update and the operational impact on claims handling and reprocessing.

Article Sections

1. Billing and payment timing for the annual wellness visit

   Discusses CMS guidance on when the annual wellness visit became payable and the role of carrier and MAC instructions. It also addresses the implementation timing referenced in CMS communications.

2. Claim denials and contractor processing errors

   Covers the reported denial issue affecting early claims and the contractor software edits involved. It describes the correction process and the general handling of affected claims.

3. Scope of the problem remains unclear

   Summarizes the limited information available about the number of impacted claims and the timeline for reprocessing. It notes that updated remittance information would be sent after corrections were completed.