May 10, 2001

Medi-974-01

TO: ALL MEDICARE PROVIDERS

SUBJECT: RTP RETENTION

PRIMARY INTEREST: BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGERS

EFFECTIVE DATE: MAY 18, 2001

Claims that encounter edits that must be addressed before processing can be completed often result in "Returned To Provider" (RTP) transactions. Currently, Riverbend GBA retains an on-line record of RTPs on the FISS system for approximately four months. Due to system's capacity issues, Riverbend GBA is revising the retention period for on-line RTPs to two months, effective 5/18/01. RTP histories older than 60 days will be purged at that time.

RTPs can be corrected in one of three ways:

1. On-line via Direct Data Entry
2. Submitting a new claim electronically or hardcopy
3. Submitting a hardcopy correction to our RTP Post Office box

Medicare Returned Claims

PO Box 6128

Chattanooga, TN 37401-6128

If a claim that has been "returned" is not corrected before a purge occurs, providers will not be able to work these on-line via the Direct Data Entry system or send them to the Post Office box. It will be necessary to resubmit the claim as an original for processing to resume.

THIS BULLETIN SHOULD BE SHARED WITH ALL HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS AND MANAGERIAL MEMBERS OF THE PROVIDER STAFF. NO COST COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM OUR WEB SITE AT riverbendgba.com

Please refer any questions to our office toll free at 877-296-6189.