E/M Coding Alert - 2007 Issue 15
PHYSICIAN NOTES: You Can Use UPINs For Referring Physicians Until May 2008
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Article Overview
This article explains a set of CMS updates relevant to physician billing and Medicare administration, including National Provider Identifier implementation timing, temporary use of older provider identifiers for referring physicians, contingency planning, and a few additional Medicare program announcements. It also touches on claims submission testing for PQRI, a coverage update tied to oncology-related supportive drugs, and a participation change affecting the Part B competitive acquisition program. The content is aimed at physicians, billing staff, coders, and practice administrators tracking compliance and payer submission changes.
Why This Topic Matters
These updates affect how providers prepare claims, document referring sources, test reporting workflows, and stay aligned with Medicare coverage and participation rules. Practices that bill Medicare or other HIPAA-covered plans may need to monitor these operational changes to avoid rejected claims or compliance issues.
Article Sections
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National Provider Identifier timing and referring physician information
Discusses CMS guidance on provider identifier readiness, contingency planning, and the timeline for referring-physician identifier requirements. It also references general resources and support channels for NPI-related questions.
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In other news
Summarizes several additional Medicare-related updates, including claims submission testing for a quality reporting initiative, a coverage policy change for certain oncology-related drugs, and a participation restriction involving a Part B acquisition program.
What You Will Learn
- How CMS timing guidance affects provider identifier readiness
- What the article says about referring physician identifier use during the transition period
- How the article frames claims testing for a quality reporting initiative
- What broader Medicare policy updates are mentioned alongside the main topic
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Practice administrators
- Compliance professionals
Codes Discussed
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