Q: I am confused about how and when to use the new 1500 form, particularly block 14 and block 15. What is required and how do I properly fill out these fields? And do I actually have to use this new form or may I continue using the old version?
A: The new CMS-1500 claim form (02/12) released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) replaces the previous form (08/05). For Medicare and Medicaid payments, the new form has been allowed for claims since Jan. 6, 2014, with mandatory use of the newest version required as of April 1, 2014. Claims sent to Medicare or Medicaid on the old version are being rejected as of the April 1 implementation deadline.
However, each individual payer may use a different timeline and could allow use of the older version for a longer period. It is paramount to verify with the plans that you bill regularly as to their individual timelines and requirements for the newest version.
For example, Anthem Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare and Humana simply adopted the Medicare timeline and require use now. Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Cigna and Health Net will accept both versions currently, but will allow only the new version beginning Oct. 1, 2014.
I suggest updating your format and utilizing the new form unless you have specific information that the carrier you are billing will accept the older format.
Blocks 14-15 and 21
The new form updates several factors, with the most prominent change to block 21, where the diagnosis is listed. In item 21, the number of lines to report diagnosis codes was increased from four to 12, the labels for these lines were changed to letters instead of numbers, and the decimal point was removed.
The new form allows up to 12 separate diagnoses and is now lettered A-L and from left to right, instead of 1-4 and top to bottom. This was done in response to the requirements of ICD-10 (since delayed to Oct. 1, 2015), which allows the diagnosis to be much more specific and can require some additional coding.
Additionally, there was an update to blocks 14 and 15, as you noted. A new area was added to the right of item 14 to report a three-digit qualifier, which is intended to indicate which date is being reported: date of the current illness, date of the injury or date of the last menstrual period. The qualifiers (three-digit number) are as follows: 431 Onset of Current Symptoms or Illness; or 484 Last Menstrual Period. Clearly, for your claims the most likely code (unless you are an OB) is 431.
Medicare does not require use of this qualifier, but some carriers may. For instance, Anthem has made a slew of denials for non-use of the qualifier. Thus, I would include the qualifier on all non-Medicare claims.
Block 15 updated from "Same or Similar Illness" to "Other Date," with this date preceded by a qualifier. This is intended to capture another date relevant to the patient's condition or treatment. The area to the left of this field accommodates the reporting of a three-digit qualifier. The date is then reported in the existing date area. The field will accommodate reporting dates such as initial treatment, accident, last X-ray and prescription.
This block has not been designated as required at this time by insurers. Medicare also does not require use of this block or item. However, if you do use this block, be sure to include the proper qualifier to identify the specificity of the date. The three-digit codes are as follows:
Other Changes to the New Form
For more details regarding the new CMS-1500 form and a complete manual, visit the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) website.
Feel free to submit billing questions to Mr. Collins via email at sam@hjrossnetwork.com. Your question may be the subject of a future column.
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