Same-day surgery programs and other providers can go on-line to obtain a form for automatic extension of the deadline to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. Providers originally were required to file a compliance plan by Oct. 16, 2002, but the deadline has been changed to Oct. 16, 2003, if the provider seeks an extension.
To obtain the form, go to the CMS web site at www.cms.hhs.gov. Under "Programs," click on "HIPAA." Then click on "HIPAA Administrative Simplification." Then click on "Electronic Health Care Transactions and Code Sets Standards Model Compliance Plan." According to users, the on-line form has "drop-downs" and is easy to use. You will be provided with an instant confirmation number that proves you have filed an extension before the deadline. The confirmation is not available by mail.
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