Ask the Contractor Teleconference
Topic: New Provider
Training
Questions & Answers
Question 1: Where can I find directions for billing multiple ambulance transports in the same day?
Answer 1: The Ambulance Billing Guide found on our website contains information about multiple transports as well as a list of appropriate modifiers. The web link to the Guide is: http://www.medicarenhic.com/providers/pubs/ambguide_july06.pdf.
Question 2: After receiving payment for Medicare, how do we recoup the remaining amounts from the patient?
Answer 2: Patients are responsible for any co-insurance and deductible. They are also responsible for any services statutorily excluded from coverage. Medicare would not impact this collection process.
Question 3: Are upcoming seminars posted on the
website?
Answer 3: Yes, at this link http://www.medicarenhic.com/ne_prov/seminars.shtml for New England or at this link: http://www.medicarenhic.com/cal_prov/seminars.shtml for CA..
Question 4: How long can we use the existing
Legacy provider numbers before they are replaced by the NPI?
Answer 4: The NPI is now being accepted on electronic claims as long as Legacy numbers are also submitted. Format is Legacy (PIN)/NPI (number).After October 2, 2006, either number can be used.
Paper submitters can include the NPI number on a new 1500 form effective January 1, 2007. The new form won’t be required until April 2, 2007.
After May 23, 2007, only the NPI will be accepted in both formats.
More information on NPI can be found at this link: http://www.medicarenhic.com/npi/npi.shtml.
CMS will conduct a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, September 26 from 2 to 3:30PM EST. Details and the number to call in are posted at http://www.medicarenhic.com/whats_new/whats_new.shtml.
NHIC will also be conducting an ACT on September 27, 2006 regarding NPI. The telephone number for you to dial in will be posted on our website at the address listed under Answer 3.
9/07/2006