ACA Section 6004 mandates that applicable manufacturers and group purchasing organizations disclose certain payments and transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals. With the April 1st submission deadline approaching, companies are entering a critical period where incomplete tracking, inconsistent data, or late preparation can quickly turn into compliance risk, especially as reporting expectations and data scrutiny continue to increase.
ACA Section 6004 Reporting: Preparing for the Deadline
What Does ACA Section 6004 Require?
ACA Section 6004 requires annual reporting of specific financial interactions between industry and healthcare providers, including consulting fees, travel, meals, research payments, and ownership interests. These reports are submitted to the FDA’s ESG NextGen Portal and ultimately published in the Open Payments database, making accuracy and completeness essential not only for compliance but also for public transparency.
Why the Deadline Matters
The April 1st deadline is a firm annual requirement that leaves little room for correction once submission windows close. As companies reconcile a full year of reportable data, issues often surface late in the process, including misclassified payments, missing recipient identifiers, or formatting errors that prevent successful submission. Without adequate preparation time, these issues can delay reporting and increase regulatory exposure.
Common ACA 6004 Reporting Challenges
Many organizations struggle with ACA 6004 reporting due to fragmented internal data sources, reliance on spreadsheets or manual tracking, and unfamiliarity with structured XML submission requirements. Validation errors, schema mismatches, and last-minute changes driven by physician review or dispute processes frequently compound delays, particularly for first time filers or companies with growing payment activity.
How Aquila Solutions Supports ACA 6004 Compliance
Aquila Solutions supports ACA 6004 reporting by assisting with XML authoring, validation, quality control, and submission readiness. By focusing on technical accuracy and regulatory compliance, Aquila helps organizations reduce internal burden, identify issues earlier in the process, and submit with confidence ahead of the April 1st deadline.
With the April 1st ACA Section 6004 deadline approaching, now is the time to evaluate reporting readiness and address potential gaps before timelines tighten. If your team would benefit from guidance on XML preparation, validation, or submission support, Aquila Solutions is available to discuss your approach and help ensure a smooth reporting cycle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.