Guest guest Posted March 13, 2003 Report Share Posted March 13, 2003 Hello to all US practitioners - again... Here is a little more information about the ABC codes that have been mentioned a couple of times. At least there's some new info that should prompt you to get registered. Geoff DEADLINE: March 16, 2003 IMPORTANT NEWS REGARDING CAM CLAIMS PROCESSING by My Kim Ton, L.Ac., C.H. Synopsis Alternative Link has developed a code set for CAM therapies called ABC codes, to be used in parallel to CPT and HCPCS Level II codes. These codes will fill in gaps for billing CAM services and provide a more accurate picture of the healthcare industry. The 13 CAM groups affected include acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, bodywork, naturopathy, ayurvedic medicine, chiropractic, homeopathy, nursing, and midwifery. In addition, there are about 4,300 codes assigned to the prescribing, dispensing, and compounding of over 345 Chinese herbs, 228 Western herbs, and 1300 homeopathic remedies. Because HIPAA law requires the health industry use a standardized code set and practitioners to accurately describe what they do, ABC codes will inevitably be adopted as a national standard. Participation is currently voluntary. However, those who do not register by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s deadline of March 16, 2003 will be locked out of using these codes for the next two years. Alternative Link anticipates that the ABC codes will become a national standard before then. If adopted, CAM practitioners using the inappropriate codes will be refused reimbursement by insurance carriers, and the improper reporting of services is considered insurance fraud with fines up to $10,000 per line item. On a 10-line HFCA form, this could mean $100,000. CAM providers have basically been using approximations of conventional codes up to this point. Under HIPAA, it is now illegal. See the full article and www.alternativelink.com for details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2003 Report Share Posted March 13, 2003 Note that AAOM is working on a method of registration ... a specific form and kit. Working toward compliance for now is adequate to continue receiving payments. Emmanuel Segmen - Geoffrey Hudson Thursday, March 13, 2003 10:41 AM More on the HIPAA ABC codes Hello to all US practitioners - again... Here is a little more information about the ABC codes that have been mentioned a couple of times. At least there's some new info that should prompt you to get registered. Geoff DEADLINE: March 16, 2003 IMPORTANT NEWS REGARDING CAM CLAIMS PROCESSING by My Kim Ton, L.Ac., C.H. Synopsis Alternative Link has developed a code set for CAM therapies called ABC codes, to be used in parallel to CPT and HCPCS Level II codes. These codes will fill in gaps for billing CAM services and provide a more accurate picture of the healthcare industry. The 13 CAM groups affected include acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, bodywork, naturopathy, ayurvedic medicine, chiropractic, homeopathy, nursing, and midwifery. In addition, there are about 4,300 codes assigned to the prescribing, dispensing, and compounding of over 345 Chinese herbs, 228 Western herbs, and 1300 homeopathic remedies. Because HIPAA law requires the health industry use a standardized code set and practitioners to accurately describe what they do, ABC codes will inevitably be adopted as a national standard. Participation is currently voluntary. However, those who do not register by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s deadline of March 16, 2003 will be locked out of using these codes for the next two years. Alternative Link anticipates that the ABC codes will become a national standard before then. If adopted, CAM practitioners using the inappropriate codes will be refused reimbursement by insurance carriers, and the improper reporting of services is considered insurance fraud with fines up to $10,000 per line item. On a 10-line HFCA form, this could mean $100,000. CAM providers have basically been using approximations of conventional codes up to this point. Under HIPAA, it is now illegal. See the full article and www.alternativelink.com for details. Chinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety of professional services, including board approved online continuing education. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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