Urology Coding Alert
Get Up to Speed on the CMS-1500 Changes
Review the final version of the form online The current CMS-1500 form will not be compatible with NPI numbers that you'll soon have to use. Stay ahead of the game by learning the nuances of the new form.
The bottom line: Most of the changes to the form relate to the switch to NPIs. A few small, non-NPI-related changes were made "to accommodate special needs," the National Uniform Claims Committee says. The changes include:
• The barcode 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 NPIs and other ID numbers during the transition period and also allows you to report supplemental information, according to the NUCC FAQ.
• In Box 24C, "Type of Service" was changed to "EMG." This is a payer-specific emergency indicator.
• Boxes 32 and 33 were divided into two boxes to accommodate the NPI. Note: In boxes 32 and 33, it is the first part, a, of the box that you'll use for the NPI number, and box b is 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.
For the 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.
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