CMS Confirms IDR Process Active, During Shutdown
Click to Enlarge
The federal government shutdown is sending ripples across healthcare, but some critical processes remain intact. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has confirmed that the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process—a key mechanism for settling out-of-network billing disputes between providers and payers—will remain operational. Physicians can continue to submit disputes through the online portal, and licensed mediators will process them under existing timelines. However, CMS cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could cause delays in reviews and response times, given limited resources.
How the Shutdown Impacts Healthcare: Independent Dispute Resolution Process Continues Amid Shutdown (Beavins, Fiercehealthcare, 10/7).
