decisionhealth Newsletters, Answer Books - 2006 Issue 3 (March)
Program_Memos / 2002 / AB-02-113
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Article Overview
This article covers a CMS Program Memorandum issued in 2002 that addresses the removal of unapproved local procedure and modifier codes, the handling of official HCPCS Level III local codes/modifiers, and the associated reporting and implementation timeline. It is relevant to Medicare contractors, regional offices, and coding professionals who manage local code inventories and transition planning under CMS guidance. The memorandum also references the broader HCPCS framework and related CMS/Medicare manual authority.
Why This Topic Matters
It documents CMS-directed cleanup and transition steps for local and official HCPCS Level III code usage, which affects system maintenance, claims processing, and compliance preparation. Readers need it to understand the scope of the administrative changes and the deadlines tied to code elimination and reporting.
Article Sections
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Program Memorandum
Introductory memorandum details, issuing agencies, transmittal information, date, and subject matter are presented here.
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Part I—Elimination of Unapproved Local Codes/Modifiers
This section outlines the broad transition work related to unapproved local procedure and modifier codes, including inventory review, crosswalking, and retirement planning.
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Part II—Elimination of Official HCPCS Level III Local Codes/Modifiers
This section addresses the broader HCPCS Level III local code cleanup effort, including system review, migration planning, and scheduled discontinuation activity.
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Part III—RO Confirmation
This section covers the regional office confirmation process and the reporting workflow tied to the code elimination effort.
What You Will Learn
- How CMS framed the elimination of unapproved local procedure and modifier codes
- How the memorandum treats official HCPCS Level III local codes/modifiers
- What types of implementation and reporting actions the memorandum addresses
- Which CMS entities and Medicare contractor groups are involved in the process
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding managers
- Medicare contractor staff
- Regional office staff
- Compliance and reimbursement teams
Code Ranges Discussed
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