Medicare program; revised procedures for paying claims from providers of services--HCFA. Final notice

This final notice announces the implementation of a uniform payment policy and procedures for paying providers of services under Medicare Parts A and B. The revised payment policy allows providers to elect to receive claims payments through either (1) electronic funds transfer; or (2) hard copy checks sent directly by first class mail. The procedures allow intermediaries and carriers to pay providers through direct deposits into providers' bank accounts if the providers (1) are already electronic media claims billers; (2) accept an electronic remittance notice in lieu of a paper remittance notice; and (3) request electronic funds transfer in writing. The procedures are issued in response to requests from both contractors and HCFA regional offices to implement a policy for payment methods that treats all payees uniformly.