2026 travel allowance updates
CMS has updated the travel allowance and specimen collection rates. In SurroundLab™ AR, update the appropriate Payer IDs with a 1/1/2026 effective date and the new rates. When updating the order code price for a venipuncture order code, existing fee schedules may be copied to a 1/1/2026 effective date so the update takes effect for 2026 service dates. For details, review MLN Matters Number 14345 (released January 8, 2026) on the CMS website.
Provider action required for HETS 270/271 transactions
CMS is changing Trading Partner Management Systems for HETS enrollments in spring 2026. Providers who do not complete a new enrollment will lose access to HETS and the ability to submit real-time Medicare eligibility verification requests.
If you are contracted directly with a clearinghouse, your vendor should share enrollment information. If you submit eligibility transactions under a Seacoast account with a clearinghouse, contact your Seacoast Support Representative and we can assist with creating a new enrollment request with the MAC as it becomes available. Enrollment details are on the CMS HETS EDI pages.
Common questions
What happens if a lab does not complete the new HETS enrollment?
The lab loses access to HETS and can no longer submit real-time Medicare eligibility (270/271) requests.
Who handles the new HETS enrollment for a lab?
Labs contracted directly with a clearinghouse get enrollment details from that vendor. Labs that submit eligibility transactions under a Seacoast clearinghouse account can contact their Seacoast Support Representative for help creating the enrollment request with the MAC.
How are the 2026 travel allowance rates applied in SurroundLab™ AR?
Update the relevant Payer IDs with a 1/1/2026 effective date and the new rates. Existing fee schedules for venipuncture order codes can be copied to a 1/1/2026 effective date so the change applies to 2026 service dates. CMS MLN Matters 14345 has the rate details.
This update applies to SurroundLab™ AR, Seacoast's billing and revenue cycle system for clinical laboratories.