Practice Management Alert

Question: I recently heard there is another ABN update that we need to comply with. We just switched to the new ABNs that combine the ABN and NEMB. Is there really another update we need to comply with now?

Washington Subscriber

Answer: While it seems like you just got done switching over to the combined advance beneficiary (ABN) and Notice of Exclusion of Medicare Benefits (NEMB), there is another update available.

The latest version of the ABN form CMS-R-193, with the release date of 3- 20-11, is now available at www.cms.gov/BNI by clicking the "revised ABN" link, said CMS's Donna Williamson during a June 28 CMS Open Door Forum. Although the form doesn't include any substantial changes, mandatory use of the new version begins on Nov. 1, 2011.

A caller to the forum asked why the form was updated in the absence of substantial changes, because many practices find it cumbersome and expensive to switch over to new forms. CMS's Stewart Streimer replied that the current ABN form had an expiration date on it, and forms are customarily updated every three years based on provider comments.

Remember: When your physician provides a service that Medicare does not cover, your practice must provide an ABN to the patient. The patient should then examine and complete the form before your providers administer that service or procedure.