Medicare EDI Ask-the-Contractor Teleconferences (ACTs)

WPS Medicare is pleased to announce the 2009 schedule for our Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Ask-the-Contractor Teleconference (ACT). The calls will be for legacy Part A (institutional providers who joined WPS in October, 2007) & Part B (IL, MI, WI, & MN) as well as MAC J5 A and B states (IA, KS, MO & NE).

We have scheduled our EDI ACT for 2009. These teleconferences will last one and one half hours. We encourage providers, billing staff, vendors and clearinghouses to call with any Medicare EDI questions they deem appropriate.

We will approach the call much in the same way CMS approaches their valuable Open Door Forums, promoting a forum that is less structured, and encourages participants to ask whatever they choose, as long as it pertains to Medicare EDI. We look forward to your participation in these calls!

What are Ask-the-Contractor Teleconferences (ACTs)?

The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) requires Medicare contractors to hold Ask-the-Contractor Teleconferences (ACTs). This requirement is based on CMS' goal of giving those who provide service to beneficiaries, the information they need to: understand the Medicare program; be informed often and early about changes; and, in the end bill correctly.

The ACT promotes valuable interaction between the Medicare Contractor (WPS) and EDI customers. As stated previously, we modeled our ACTs after CMS Open Door Forums. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and raise concerns. EDI staff is available during the call to provide education, program updates, answer questions, and take feedback. In addition, we will provide necessary follow-up to any issues that cannot be resolved during the call time.

WPS Medicare encourages providers to participate in this important educational activity. You can access a recording of the EDI ACT teleconference on this Website approximately one week following the event.