Reader Question: ABN Not Required for These Psychiatric Visits

Why This Topic Matters

Providers and billing staff need to know when an ABN is relevant, which services may shift financial responsibility to the patient, and how CMS form updates affect notice validity. The article helps practices avoid improper notice use and stay aligned with Medicare contractor expectations.

Article Sections

1. Question

   A reader asks about Medicare payment responsibility for psychiatric visits and whether a beneficiary notice is needed before billing the patient.

2. Answer

   The response discusses general Medicare handling of outpatient psychiatric services and the role of an ABN in relation to services that may be denied.

3. Keep in mind:

   This section notes the newer ABN form version, its CMS identification, and the timing of the form update.

4. What will happen?

   This section summarizes CMS guidance on the validity of older and newer ABN forms and the treatment of notices issued after the change date.