Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Review the final version and make your changes before the deadline

The current CMS-1500 form will not be compatible with NPI numbers you-ll soon have to use. Stay ahead of the game by learning the nuances of the new form now, and not when it's too late.

The bottom line: Most of the form's changes relate to the switch to national provider Identifiers (NPIs). A few small, non-NPI-related changes were made -to accommodate special needs,- the National Uniform Claims Committee (NUCC) says. The changes include:

- The bar code at the top of the form was removed.

- Box 17a was shortened. You-ll use this box for ID numbers other than an NPI.

- Box 17b was added. You-ll put the referring physician's NPI in this box. 

- Shaded lines were added to box 24. This change accommodates NPI and other identification numbers during the transition period and also allows you to report supplemental information, the NUCC's FAQ sheet states.

- In box 24C, -Type of Service- was changed to -EMG.- This is a carrier-specific emergency indicator.

- Boxes 32 and 33 were divided into two boxes to accommodate the NPI. Caution: In boxes 32 and 33, you-ll list the NPI in the first part of the box (part -a-) and use the second part of the box (part -b-) for other provider ID numbers. This is the opposite of boxes 17 and 24i, in which the NPI goes after the other provider ID numbers.
 
Timeline change: NUCC has modified its original timeline for transitioning to the revised 1500 Claim Form. Keep these dates in mind:

- Oct. 1, 2006-March 31, 2007: Providers can use either the current (12/90) version or the revised (08/05) version of the 1500 Claim Form.

- April 1, 2007: The current (12/90) version of the 1500 Claim Form is discontinued, so you can use the revised (08/05) form. If you-re rebilling claims, you should use the revised (08/05) form from this date forward, even though earlier submissions may have been on the current (12/90) 1500 Claim Form.

For a complete list of changes to the form, visit www.nucc.org/images/stories/PDF/final_1500_change_log.pdf. To see the new form, visit www.nucc.org/images/stories/PDF/final_1500_claim_form.pdf.