Fact Sheets
Go to CMS Fact Sheets- CMS Fact Sheet Archives listing under the Public Affairs portion of the CMS website.

Go to Medicare Learning Network Publications- Downloadable Fact Sheets and publications listed under the Medlearn Network.

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Title: 72 Hour Rule - Outpatient Services Treated As Inpatient Services
Summary: All services provided within 72 hours of the inpatient admission are considered part of the inpatient service and are required to be billed on one claim. This fact sheet explains the 72-hour rule and gives appropriate billing instructions.
Revision Date : 8/24/2006
 
Title: Acronyms
Summary: The Acronym fact sheet contains a listing of acronyms and abbreviations.
Revision Date : 2/12/2007
 
Title: Additional Development Request Fact Sheet
Summary: This fact sheet describes the Additional Development Request process and procedures.
Revision Date : 10/21/2005
 
Title: Adjusting Paid Claims Online
Summary: This job aid provides instructions for adjusting and canceling paid claims (PB9997) online.
Revision Date : 6/13/2008
 
Title: Advanced Beneficiary Notices (ABNs) VS Notice of Non-Coverage
Summary: The Fact sheet informs providers of the differences between ABNs & Notices of Non-Coverage. It also discusses examples of how to bill certain services that may not be covered by Medicare, and what may happen to their claim if billed incorrectly.
Revision Date : 2/20/2008
 
Title: Bad Debt Fact Sheet
Summary: The Bad Debt Fact Sheet describes the standards for claiming bad debts on a cost report.
Revision Date : 9/13/2007
 
Title: BCBSA's Case Study for the Form CMS-2552-96 (T.10)
Summary: This case study will assist you in learning all of the major revisions to the Hospital and Hospital Health Care Complex Cost Report necessary to implement recent laws and regulations.
Revision Date : 10/29/2003
 
Title: Case Study for Form CMS-2540-96 (T.11)
Summary: This case study will assist you in learning all of the major revisions to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) cost report necessary to implement provisions enacted by the BBRA '1999, BIPA '2000, HHA-PPS and SNF-based hospice cost reporting requirements.
Revision Date : 6/21/2002
 
Title: Claims Adjustments and Cancels
Summary: Adjustments are the most common mechanism for changing a previously accepted bill. A claim cannot be adjusted or voided unless it has been finalized and is reflected on the remittance advice.
Revision Date : 6/2/2005
 
Title: Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Services National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) Claims Processing/Reason Codes
Summary: The fact sheet informs providers of the different reason codes that they may receive based on the edit module and the ability to submit additional documentation to support medical necessity via NCD DOC.
Revision Date : 9/15/2004
 
Title: Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT)
Summary: This fact sheet informs providers of the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) program.
Revision Date : 8/28/2006
 
Title: Contact Us - Email Inquiries
Summary: The Contact Us fact sheet provides instructions for submitting questions of a general nature via email. It also gives instructions for referencing and searching the FAQ database.
Revision Date : 2/2/2004
 
Title: Correcting RTP'd - Responding to ADR's Online
Summary: This job aid provides detailed instructions for correcting RTP'd claims (TB9997) online and responding to Medical Review ADR's (SB6001) online.
Revision Date : 6/11/2008
 
Title: Coverage of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines
Summary: The Coverage of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines fact sheet explains who can administer the vaccines, how many vaccines Medicare will cover, and what the beneficiary will owe.
Revision Date : 2/13/2007
 
Title: Credit Balance Report
Summary: The Credit Balance fact sheet covers the most frequently asked questions on Credit Balance reporting.
Revision Date : 4/28/2008
 
Title: Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Resource Guide
Summary: This fact sheet contains resources to help providers locate CMS regulations relating to Critical Access Hospitals (CAH).
Revision Date : 12/21/2006
 
Title: Critical Access Hospital Method II Reimbursement
Summary: This fact sheet contains billing guidelines for Critical Access Hospitals that are planning or have chosen the optional billing method for their reimbursement.
Revision Date : 2/6/2006
 
Title: CRNA Fact Sheet
Summary: The CRNA fact sheet provides guidance on how to qualify for reimbursement related to the services of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) or Anesthesiologist’s Assistants.
Revision Date : 3/27/2008
 
Title: DDE (Direct Data Entry) Online Manual
Summary: This job aid provides instructions for accessing the FISS (Fiscal Intermediary Standard System) DDE Online Manual.
Revision Date : 3/20/2006
 
Title: DDE Signon
Summary: The DDE Signon Fact Sheet provides step-by-step routine signon instructions. It also outlines steps for password reset if your CDS userid has been revoked.
Revision Date : 5/12/2008
 
Title: Do You Have HCPCS Coding Questions?
Summary: A clearinghouse has been established by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to field coding questions on HCPCS usage.
Revision Date : 3/2/2006
 
Title: EMC Fact Sheet
Summary: This fact sheet provides information about the EMC (Electronic Media Claims) process, how to enroll, electronic format requirements, and software options.
Revision Date : 6/10/2008
 
Title: ERA Fact Sheet
Summary: This fact sheet contains some of the most frequently asked questions and answers related to the ERA (Electronic Remittance Advice). It provides information on setup, version and format, and software.
Revision Date : 6/10/2008
 
Title: ESRD Coordination Period
Summary: This information is provided to assist in understanding the coordination period for Medicare beneficiaries entitled due to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Revision Date : 8/27/2007
 
Title: Filing Cost Reports
Summary: This fact sheet gives information about proper filing of cost reports including if you should file, when you should file, acceptability, and submitting payment with your cost report.
Revision Date : 5/14/2008
 
Title: Finding Bulletins On Trispan.com
Summary: This fact sheet explains registering for email notification, searching for a bulletin, and contacting TriSpan Health Services through the website if you have a problem locating a bulletin or have other questions.
Revision Date : 5/10/2006
 
Title: Finding LCDs on TriSpan.com
Summary: This fact sheet explains registering for email notification, searching for an LCD bulletin, and contacting TriSpan Health Services through the website if you have a problem locating an LCD bulletin or have other questions.
Revision Date : 5/9/2006
 
Title: FISS Function Keys and System Menus
Summary: The FISS Function Keys and Systems Menus fact sheet contains a list of options for inquiries, claims entry, and claims correction. It also identifies common claim status locations, payer codes, and function keys.
Revision Date : 3/20/2006
 
Title: Freedom of Information Requests
Summary: Fact sheet for Freedom of Information requests gives information about what the requesting person must submit, potential cost of the information requested, the correct mailing address for the FOI and the length of time required to complete the request.
Revision Date : 6/4/2008
 
Title: Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) Prefixes and Suffixes
Summary: This fact sheet provides the meanings for each prefix or suffix that may be attached to the Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN).
Revision Date : 6/18/2007
 
Title: HIPAA FAQs
Summary: This job aid provides answers to some of the most general questions asked regarding HIPAA compliance.
Revision Date : 1/27/2003
 
Title: How to Appeal a Claim
Summary: The How to Appeal a Claim fact sheet explains the appeals process, including the different levels of appeal, time requirements for filing an appeal, and the required amounts in controversy.
Revision Date : 1/8/2008
 
Title: How to Appeal a Cost Settlement Fact Sheet
Summary: This fact sheet relates information about appealing a cost settlement.
Revision Date : 5/28/2008
 
Title: ICD-9 Coding Compliance Tips
Summary: This fact sheet contains tips for our providers in ICD-9 coding and compliance. Some subjects are internal processes that should be followed, suggestions for coders regarding HIPAA guidelines, and the danger of internal cheat sheets.
Revision Date : 5/8/2003
 
Title: Identifying Outdated Bulletins, Superseded Bulletins, or Retired Local Medical Review Policies
Summary: This fact sheet communicates the method used to identify bulletins that are no longer current. We have added a "stamp" to identify bulletins that have been outdated or superseded and retired LMRPs.
Revision Date : 9/15/2004
 
Title: Infusion Therapy and Diagnostic Injections
Summary: This fact sheet contains billing guidelines for infusion therapy and diagnostic injections. Infusion therapy codes discussed are Q0081, Q0083, and Q0084. Diagnostic codes discussed are 90782, 90783, 90784, 90788, and 90799.
Revision Date : 2/6/2006
 
Title: Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities (IPF) Resource Guide
Summary: This fact sheet contains resources to help providers locate CMS regulations relating to Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities (IPF).
Revision Date : 12/21/2006
 
Title: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFS) Resource Guide
Summary: This fact sheet contains resources to help providers locate CMS regulations relating to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRF).
Revision Date : 12/21/2006
 
Title: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Admission Quick Reference
Summary: This fact sheet provides a quick reference guide to assist providers in admitting patients appropriately to IRFs. For coverage and medical necessity guidelines, refer to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Services Local Coverage Determination.
Revision Date : 12/20/2005
 
Title: Inquiries Related to Specific Coding, CCI Edits and Outpatient Code Edits (OCE)
Summary: This fact sheet explains the CMS policy for Customer Service Representatives regarding specific coding questions. It provides references for CCI edit questions and for OCE questions, including the NTIS website and the Medicare Learning network.
Revision Date : 7/23/2002
 
Title: Late Filed Cost Report Fact Sheet
Summary: The Late Filed Cost Report fact sheet provides information on interest calculation and procedures for submitting a cost report after its due date.
Revision Date : 2/9/2006
 
Title: Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Reconsideration Process
Summary: This fact sheet includes an overview and instructions for requesting a LCD reconsideration, effective October 1, 2002. The LCD Reconsideration Process is a mechanism by which interested parties can request a revision to a final LCD.
Revision Date : 2/28/2006
 
Title: LTCH 3 Day or Less Interruption of Stay Policy
Summary: This policy covers LTCH discharges and readmissions to the same LTCH within 3 days.
Revision Date : 11/30/2007
 
Title: LTCH Greater Than 3 Day Interruption of Stay Policy
Summary: This policy covers LTCH discharges and immediate admissions to an acute care hospital, inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), or skilled nursing facility (SNF)/ swingbed followed by readmission to the same LTCH after 3 days.
Revision Date : 11/30/2007
 
Title: Mammogram Fact Sheet
Summary: This fact sheet describes the coverage policy for mammograms.
Revision Date : 7/6/2005
 
Title: Medical Review New Provider Information
Summary: This fact sheet provides information regarding core Medical Review functions and processes. It includes information on Progressive Correction Action, Additional Development Requests, Local Coverage Determinations, and "Contact Us."
Revision Date : 1/29/2007
 
Title: Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans
Summary: This fact sheet defines Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans and provides resources and information for providers who treat beneficiaries enrolled in these plans. It addresses bad debts and cost report questions.
Revision Date : 9/19/2006
 
Title: Medicare Fraud
Summary: This fact sheet defines fraud and provides examples of fraud such as: improper billing, falsifying records, and cost report issues.
Revision Date : 5/26/2006
 
Title: Medicare Prescription Drug Program
Summary: This fact sheet contains helpful questions and answers regarding the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program
Revision Date : 2/2/2006
 
Title: MSP Questionnaire
Summary: This fact sheet, designed for beneficiaries, describes situations in which Medicare is not the primary payer. The Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) department helps ensure that the right payer is billed first.
Revision Date : 3/23/2004
 
Title: MSP Reference Guide
Summary: This fact sheet instructs the billing staff with step-by-step procedures on how to submit a claim where MSP is involved.
Revision Date : 8/22/2007
 
Title: Premier Edition Medlearn Matters Number: SE0401
Summary: CMS and your Medicare Learning Network introduces Medlearn Matters. Information for Medicare Providers, a new educational resource for Providers. It is designed to inform you of important changes to the Medicare system in a user-friendly format.
Revision Date : 3/4/2004
 
Title: Prepare for your Workshop Experience
Summary: This fact sheet provides helpful tips in preparing for Medicare workshops.
Revision Date : 8/16/2005
 
Title: Privacy Act and Address Changes
Summary: This Fact Sheet provides general information regarding the Privacy Act and address correction guidelines. It also gives brief definitions of what verbal and written consents are, as well as, what a Power of Attorney is.
Revision Date : 6/20/2007
 
Title: Program Safeguard Contractors
Summary: This fact sheet defines a Program Safeguard Contractor (PSC), explains the PSC responsibilities versus TriSpan's, and provides contact information for the three PSCs for our tri-regional area.
Revision Date : 5/26/2006
 
Title: Provider Claims and Billing Inquiries
Summary: The Provider Claims and Billing Inquiries fact sheet gives providers options to use direct automated tools for routine inquiries rather than calling the Customer Service unit.
Revision Date : 10/31/2005
 
Title: Provider Enrollment
Summary: Provides basic provider enrollment information and links to access the CMS 855A and the CMS web site for provider enrollment.
Revision Date : 2/9/2006
 
Title: Provider Outreach & Education Advisory Group (POE AG)
Summary: This fact sheet gives a detailed explanation of the Provider Outreach and Education Advisory Group's (POE AG) responsibilities. It also gives a list of the POE AG members and organization names.
Revision Date : 10/3/2008
 
Title: Provider/Supplier Web Pages
Summary: CMS wants to ensure providers have quick access to accurate Medicare program information. These provider and supplier-specific Web pages are a resource focused on the informational needs and interests of providers and other practitioners.
Revision Date : 2/7/2006
 
Title: Reasons for Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Errors 1st Quarter 2007
Summary: This fact sheet lists the specific reasons for CERT errors from October through December 2006 broken down by type of bill.
Revision Date : 1/29/2007
 
Title: Reasons for Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Errors 1st Quarter 2008
Summary: This fact sheet lists the specific reasons for CERT errors from October through December 2007 broken down by type of bill.
Revision Date : 1/10/2008
 
Title: Reasons for Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Errors 2nd Quarter 2007
Summary: This fact sheet lists the specific reasons for CERT errors from January through March 2007 broken down by type of bill.
Revision Date : 5/18/2007
 
Title: Reasons for Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Errors 2nd Quarter 2008
Summary: This fact sheet lists the specific reasons for CERT errors from January through March 2008 broken down by type of bill.
Revision Date : 7/15/2008
 
Title: Reasons for Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Errors 3rd Quarter 2007
Summary: This fact sheet lists the specific reasons for CERT errors from April through June 2007 broken down by type of bill.
Revision Date : 8/7/2007
 
Title: Reasons for Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Errors 3rd Quarter 2008
Summary: This fact sheet lists the specific reasons for CERT errors from April through June 2008 broken down by type of bill.
Revision Date : 7/15/2008
 
Title: Reasons for Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Errors 4th Quarter 2007
Summary: This fact sheet lists the specific reasons for CERT errors from July through September 2007 broken down by type of bill.
Revision Date : 10/24/2007
 
Title: Reasons for Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Errors 4th Quarter 2008
Summary: This fact sheet lists the specific reasons for CERT errors from July through September 2008 broken down by type of bill.
Revision Date : 10/20/2008
 
Title: Roster Billing for Influenza Claims
Summary: The "Roster Billing Requirements for Influenza Claims" fact sheet provides information regarding how to file roster bills for flu vaccines and provides an example of a claim form and roster.
Revision Date : 6/9/2008
 
Title: Roster Billing Requirements for Pneumococcal Pneumonia Vaccine (PPV) Claims
Summary: The "Roster Billing Requirements for Pneumonia Vaccine (PPV) Claims" fact sheet provides information regarding how to file roster bills for pneumonia vaccines, and provides an example of a claim form and roster.
Revision Date : 6/9/2008
 
Title: Routine vs. Non-routine Supplies
Summary: This fact sheet provides information regarding the billing and examples of routine and non-routine supplies.
Revision Date : 1/3/2007
 
Title: Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) Resource Guide
Summary: This fact sheet contains resources to help providers locate CMS regulations relating to Rural Health Clinics (RHC).
Revision Date : 12/21/2006
 
Title: Skilled Nursing & Swing Bed Facilities (SNFs) Resource Guide
Summary: This fact sheet contains resources to help providers locate CMS regulations relating to Skilled Nursing and Swing Bed Facilities (SNF).
Revision Date : 12/21/2006
 
Title: Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) No-Payment Bills
Summary: This Fact Sheet is to be used as a reference by SNFs when submitting No-Payment bills.
Revision Date : 11/30/2007
 
Title: SKILLED NURSING FACILITY ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUEST QUICK REFERENCE
Summary: TriSpan developed a Fact Sheet or Quick Reference Guide for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) providers to use to ensure that the appropriate requested documentation is submitted for review.
Revision Date : 9/8/2004
 
Title: Smoking and Tobacco-Use Cessation Counseling Services
Summary: This Fact Sheet explains the requirements beneficiaries must meet in order to receive counseling services for smoking and tobacco-use. It provides billing guidelines for those services.
Revision Date : 2/6/2006
 
Title: SNF/Swing Bed PPS Consolidated Billing
Summary: The SNF Swing Bed PPS Consolidated Billing fact sheet describes the requirements for consolidated billing in skilled nursing facilities.
Revision Date : 3/19/2003
 
Title: Sulzer Orthopedics
Summary: This fact sheet provides the procedures that are required for attorneys that are representing a Medicare beneficiary as a client in a liability case related to certain recalled Sulzer Inter-Op acetabular shells for hip implants.
Revision Date : 3/23/2004
 
Title: Top 10 Claim Denial Reason Codes 4th Quarter 2008
Summary: This fact sheet provides the top 10 reasons for claim denials from July through September 2008. It includes education on how to prevent complex and automated review denials based on National Coverage Determinations and Local Coverage Determinations.
Revision Date : 10/20/2008
 
Title: Top 20 Returned to Provider (RTP) Reason Codes
Summary: To assist providers in understanding and correcting billing errors for the top 20 RTP (Returned to Provider) reason codes. Includes plain language reason code descriptions and plain language solution steps.
Revision Date : 4/18/2008
 
Title: Top 5 Returned to Provider (RTP) Medicare Code Editor Reason Codes
Summary: This Fact Sheet will outline the Top 5 Returned to Provider Medicare Code Editor Reason Codes and give a brief solution to resolve these edits.
Revision Date : 8/30/2007
 
Title: VRU (Voice Response Unit)
Summary: The VRU (Voice Response Unit) fact sheet provides information that will give you instruction on how to access the claims status, benefits & eligibility information.
Revision Date : 5/22/2008
 
Title: Waiver and Appeal Fact Sheet
Summary: This fact sheet describes the circumstances under which it would be appropriate to ask for a waiver or to appeal a claims determination.
Revision Date : 3/1/2002
 
Title: What Should I Know About Sanctions and Exclusions?
Summary: Information contained in this fact sheet includes how to search the sanctions database and the effect of employing a sanctioned provider in your facility.
Revision Date : 9/26/2003
 
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