Repeals consolidated billing for skilled nursing facilities. They are seeking public comment on both the content of the codes and suggestions on how to implement the codes in the claims process. This contains the HCFA Instructions to the Medicare Carriers and Intermediaries on Implementation of the Ambulance Fee Schedule. HCFA is requiring the placement of the zip code of the point of pick-up on all claims. Use of the transition formulas - payment based on current methodology.
Mandatory assignment is delayed.
Use of new mileage code.- Use current mileage codes. The reason for the delay is that they must publish the Final Rule 30 days before implementation. They are unable to publish the Final Rule due to the volume of comments received on the Proposed Rule by November 13. This PM applies to Critical Access Hospitals that provide ambulance service and are more than a 35 mile drive from another ambulance service. It states that they will be reimbursed based on their costs, not the fee schedule.