CMS released a new version of the Advanced Beneficiary Notice form (ABN). The use of this form is mandatory beginning January 1, 2012. Your office can obtain a copy of the revised form and information on how to use it from CMS.
The latest version of the ABN has a release date of 3/2011 in the lower left corner. The changes to the form are barely noticeable and physicians could mistakenly use the expired form. Check the lower left hand corner of the document for the words "Form CMS-R-131" and the revised date "03/11" to ensure that you have the revised form.
Cornerstone recommends making the switch to the new form before the January deadline. If your office has a stockpile of old forms, use or destroy them before the end of the year.
The proper use of the ABN form can be critical to a physicians ability to collect from the patient. Physician's must have a current and properly executed ABN form if they have a reasonable suspicion Medicare may not cover the service. Without the proper ABN form, the physician can't collect payment from the patient.
