News
- Laboratories: Paper Fee Coupons & CLIA Certificates Ending March 1
- Providers & Suppliers: CMS Has Authority to Conduct Enrollment Site Visits
Compliance
Claims, Pricers & Codes
MLN Matters® Articles
Publications & Multimedia
News
Laboratories: Paper Fee Coupons & CLIA Certificates Ending March 1
CMS is improving the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program by switching to electronic fee coupons and CLIA certificates. After March 1, 2026, paper fee coupons and CLIA certificates will no longer be available; we’ll stop mailing paper versions after this date. In addition, you must pay your CLIA certification and survey fees online; checks will no longer be accepted.
This is the last chance for eligible laboratories and providers that perform laboratory testing to sign up for CMS email notifications to receive electronic CLIA fee coupons and certificates. Failure to switch may result in billing and certification issues.
You can switch to electronic notifications from CMS or update your email address by:
- Emailing your state agency (PDF)
- Contacting your Accreditation Organization if you’re an accredited laboratory
Note: This doesn’t apply to CLIA-exempt states.
Providers & Suppliers: CMS Has Authority to Conduct Enrollment Site Visits
CMS conducts authorized enrollment site visits to verify operational status. Site visit inspectors carry a photo ID and CMS-issued letter of authorization that you may review but not retain or copy.
Starting January 3, 2026, 2 new site verification service contractors will conduct these visits:
- East: Arch Systems, LLC
- West: Signature Consulting Group
Until February 14, 2026, outgoing contractors may continue performing site visits:
- East: Palmetto GBA and its subcontractors:
- Overland Solutions, Inc., an affiliate of EXL
- Information Discovery Services
- Compliance Review, Inc.
- National Creditors Connection, Inc.
- West: Deloitte Consulting, LLP and its subcontractors:
- Nationwide Management Services, Inc.
- CSI Companies, Inc.
- Arthur Lawrence Management, LLC
- Computer Evidence Specialists, LLC
Compliance
Remote Patient Monitoring: Use & Bill Correctly
In a report, the Office of the Inspector General recommended additional oversight of remote patient monitoring in Medicare. About 43% of enrollees who received remote patient monitoring didn’t receive all 3 components, raising questions about whether it’s being used as intended.
Learn how to correctly use and bill for remote patient monitoring:
- Remote Patient Monitoring webpage
- Telehealth & Remote Monitoring booklet
Claims, Pricers & Codes
Integrated Outpatient Code Editor Version 27.0
CMS posted the January 2026 Integrated Outpatient Code Editor files. Learn about claims processing changes effective January 1, 2026.
See the instruction to your Medicare Administrative Contractor (PDF).
MLN Matters® Articles
Travel Allowance Fees for Specimen Collection: CY 2026 Updates
Learn about these updates (PDF), effective January 1, 2026:
- Revised payment allowances for HCPCS code P9603
- Updated general specimen collection fee and travel allowance rate
- HCPCS and CPT codes that describe specimen collection
Publications & Multimedia
Information for Critical Access Hospitals – Revised
CMS added (PDF):
- Information on:
- Rural reclassification status
- Interoperability measures that start January 1, 2026
- Transforming Episode Accountability Model skilled nursing facility 3-day rule waiver
- A new resource link for the latest telehealth information
- Specific dates for implementing the new conditions of participation for emergency readiness and obstetrical services
Rural Emergency Hospitals – Revised
CMS added the CY 2026 payment amount (PDF).
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