Medicare/CMSMedium ImpactAdministrative
2026-01-15 - Laboratories: Paper Fee Coupons & CLIA Certificates Ending March 1
Published January 15, 2026Effective March 1, 2026
AI 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.
Action Required
By March 1, 2026: Laboratory 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. Update payment processes to pay CLIA certification and survey fees online only - checks will no longer be accepted. Failure to switch may result in billing and certification issues.
Affected Billing Codes
P9603
Plan Types
All Plans
Specialties
laboratory, all-specialties