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Medicare/CMSAll Plans · Administrative · Claims & BillingMedium impact

2026-01-15 - Laboratories: Paper Fee Coupons & CLIA Certificates Ending March 1

Act
by Mar 1, 2026
Effective date
Mar 1, 2026
Identified
Jan 15, 2026

Summary

CMS is ending paper fee coupons and CLIA certificates after March 1, 2026, requiring laboratories to switch to electronic notifications and online payment of certification fees. This affects any healthcare practice that performs laboratory testing and needs CLIA certification.

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What to do

by Mar 1, 2026 · 2 steps
01Laboratory managers and billing teams at practices performing lab testing must switch to electronic CLIA fee coupons and certificates by emailing their state agency or contacting their Accreditation Organization.
02Update payment processes to pay CLIA certification and survey fees online only - checks will no longer be accepted.
If missed: Failure to switch may result in billing and certification issues.

Codes mentioned

P9603

Original notice

2026-01-15 - Laboratories: Paper Fee Coupons & CLIA Certificates Ending March 1
cms.gov · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Medicare/CMS policiesCode P9603

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