Do I Need an ABN for Every Visit if Medicare May Not Cover it?
**Editors Note: This is the fifth in a series of articles explaining the ins-and-outs of the ABN. Please watch our Website and Listserv for future articles.
It is not necessary to fill out a separate Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) each time a patient returns for the same treatment (such as weekly foot care, chiropractic manipulations). Each service or series of treatments must be documented with the individual date(s), and the patient's signature on the form, along with the narrative description of the procedure. If each service is not listed individually on the ABN or the service is not part of a series, then a separate form is required.
Services Medicare excludes as covered benefits do not require an ABN; however, providers may choose to use the Notice of Exclusions from Medicare Benefits form. The optional notice allows the beneficiary to remain informed on a service that Medicare never covers.
Reminder: Non-covered services may be submitted with GY modifier.
For more information or a copy of the forms please see the website below:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/BNI/
(this link leaves the WPS Medicare Website)
Page Last Updated: Tuesday, 15-Jul-2008 10:44:57 CDT
