decisionhealth Newsletters, Answer Books - 2006 Issue 3 (March)
Program_Memos / 2001 / AB-01-127
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Article Overview
This article explains the annual CMS reminder for the 2002 HCPCS update and how the file and related materials would be distributed to intermediaries, carriers, DMERCs, and other contractors. It covers effective dates, grace-period handling for discontinued codes, operational considerations for the January 2002 OCE release, and the introduction of CPT Category III tracking codes. It is relevant to Medicare billing, coding, and systems staff who manage HCPCS updates and transmission procedures.
Why This Topic Matters
HCPCS updates affect claims processing, systems edits, and contractor communications each year. This memorandum helps readers understand the operational scope of the 2002 update and the CMS distribution process so they can evaluate whether the full article is relevant to their workflow.
Article Sections
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Change Request 1852
Introduces the CMS change request and the main subject of the memorandum. It frames the annual HCPCS update reminder and the timing of the 2002 release.
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New Type of Procedure Codes for 2002
Summarizes the addition of a new CPT code category and the general system implications noted in the memorandum. It addresses broad coding and claims-processing awareness for the new year.
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2002 HCPCS File
Provides contact points and administrative information related to the 2002 HCPCS file. It covers support contacts for retrieval and related operational questions.
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Attachment
Introduces the retrieval attachment and the technical instructions for obtaining the HCPCS file through CMS systems. This section leads into the mainframe transmission setup details.
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Instructions for the Retrieval of the 2002 HCPCS via CMS's Mainframe Telecommunications System
Describes the technical retrieval process, common transmission issues, and the sample job-control materials included with the memorandum. It focuses on operational file-transfer guidance and required site-specific parameters.
What You Will Learn
- The scope of the annual HCPCS update reminder for 2002
- How CMS planned to distribute HCPCS files and related documentation
- What general implementation timing applied to the update
- Which contractor groups were expected to observe the grace period
- What broad operational topics were included in the retrieval attachment
- What new category of CPT codes was introduced for 2002
- Which CMS and contractor contact points were listed for questions
Who Should Read This
- Medicare intermediaries
- Medicare carriers
- DMERC staff
- CMS operational staff
- Billing and coding support teams
- Systems and claims processing personnel
Codes Discussed
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