HCFA makes Y2K helpline available

Continuity of care depends on everyone

The Health Care Financing Administra tion has launched a new toll-free telephone helpline, (800) 958-HCFA [(800) 958-4232], to help providers with their Y2K preparations.

Callers will be able to get answers to Y2K questions that relate to medical supplies, their facilities, and business operations as well as referrals for more specific billing information.

HCFA also has posted materials about Y2K readiness, including a provider checklist, on the agency’s Web site at this address: http://www.medicare.gov/y2k.

"We are doing what we can to help the people and institutions that deliver health care services get ready for the year 2000," says HCFA administrator Nancy-Ann DeParle. "While HCFA is responsible for the financing of health care for our beneficiaries, continuity of care depends on far more than our own Medicare payment systems. It depends on doctors, hospitals, plans, and other service providers making sure that their equipment will work, so that they can be paid and medical records will be properly handled."