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Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Append This Modifier for Katrina Service

Published on Sat Nov 05, 2005

Question: I heard there were special rules for coding services for Hurricane Katrina evacuees. What are they?


Texas Subscriber


Answer: Medicare released a new modifier (CR, Catastrophe/disaster related) to use when reporting services provided to victims of Hurricane Katrina located in any part of the country, effective for dates of service on and after Aug. 21, 2005.

In light of the devastation caused by the hurricane, which left physicians with little access to medical records and proof of Medicare enrollment, Medicare is waiving the normal requirements for documentation and allowing for presumption of eligibility. Fraud and abuse will still be subject to sanctions, but services provided in good faith will be reimbursed.

Modifier CR is for physicians and suppliers billing a local carrier or DMERC. Condition code DR (Disaster related) is available for fiscal intermediary billing.

For more information, see CR4106 available at www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/transmittals/comm_date_dsc.asp.

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