Hot Topic: Palmetto Transition
The transition from NHIC to Palmetto is causing serious problems for California physicians.  The ACCMA and CMA have received a large number of complaints from members who have not received payment for Medicare claims submitted both before and after the transition. Several members have been forced to access credit lines to meet payroll and business expenses.

The ACCMA and CMA have been successful expediting resolution of issues for members who have contacted us. If you are experiencing Medicare payment interruptions or other issues, please call the ACCMA at 510-654-5383. 

The ACCMA has published the following informative articles: 

ACCMA Steps Up Pressure on Palmetto to Fix IVR System
The ACCMA has asked Palmetto to implement a series of recommendations to improve Palmetto's interactive voice recognition (IVR) telephone system.

Palmetto Transition Causes Major Problems - Info and FAQs
Article focuses on problems that have been identified since the transition to Palmetto, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Is Your Practice Ready for the Transition to Palmetto?
Article focuses on the steps physicians should have taken prior to the transition to minimize the potential for payment interruption. 

Some Physicians Erroneously Switched from PAR to NonPAR Status
Palmetto erroneously reclassified some "Participating" physicians to "Non-Participating" status and as a result paid them 5% less. As of 02/1/2009, readjusted payments should have been made.

Palmetto Mistakenly Discontinues Paper EOMBs for Some Physicians
Some physicians are not receiving paper EOMBs from Palmetto.  The CMA has prepared a sample letter to request paper EOMBs in the future and copies of EOMBs for claims already paid.

Palmetto Eliminates Restrictive Monitored Anesthesia Policy
California's Medicare carrier has agreed to repeal the overly restrictive "monitored anesthesia care" policy.