Understanding ABN: A Guide for Wound Care Providers

1. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: Understanding ABN: A Guide for Wound Care Providers Providing quality healthcare services involves navigating various administrative processes, including Medicare billing and reimbursement. One important aspect of this process is the use of an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN). As a wound care provider, it is crucial to understand the scope and requirements of ABNs to ensure proper communication with Medicare beneficiaries. In this article, we will try understanding ABN from the perspective of a wound care provider, discussing their purpose and application in different scenarios. What is an ABN and who can issue it? The ABN, or Advance Beneficiary Notice, is an official written notice approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). It is issued by healthcare providers and suppliers for items and services covered under Medicare Part B. It is important to note that only healthcare providers and suppliers enrolled in Medicare are eligible to issue ABNs to beneficiaries. ABNs are specifically used for beneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) program. They are not applicable to items or services provided under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program or the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Part D). Therefore, as a wound care provider, you should ensure that ABNs are used appropriately based on the specific Medicare program. Using ABNs for Medical Equipment and Supplies Claims Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 1

2. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: In certain situations, the use of ABNs becomes necessary, especially when denials are expected under specific provisions of the Act. For instance, if a supplier expects that Medicare will deny payment due to a violation of the prohibition on unsolicited telephone contacts, an ABN must be issued. It is important to note that telephone notice is not considered valid in such cases. Supplier-Beneficiary Agreement When using an ABN, it is essential to obtain the beneficiary's agreement to pay before any telephone contact is made. This agreement is crucial for the supplier to collect payment from the beneficiary in case Medicare denies reimbursement due to unsolicited telephone contacts. The prohibition on unsolicited telephone contacts applies to all medical equipment and supplies and all Medicare beneficiaries equally, so routine notices to beneficiaries do not apply in this scenario. Requirements for ABNs in Different Situations ABNs serve various purposes, and their content should reflect specific denial reasons. For example, if a supplier does not meet the supplier number requirements, the ABN must clearly state that Medicare will deny payment for any medical equipment or supplies due to the absence of a supplier number. The ABN should be kept on file as documentation of the beneficiary's knowledge and acceptance of financial liability. ABN Standards for Upgraded DMEPOS In cases involving the provision of upgraded Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS), ABNs must be issued when beneficiaries receive Medicare- covered items containing upgrade components that are not medically necessary or not paid for by the supplier. It is important to note that ABNs cannot be used to charge beneficiaries for premium quality services or to shift liability for items or services described as "better" or "higher quality." ABNs for DMEPOS Listed in a Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) If a non-contract supplier in a Competitive Bidding Area (CBA) provides a beneficiary with an item or service listed in the CBP, an ABN must be issued before delivery. The ABN should Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 2

3. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: clearly explain the reason why Medicare may not pay and must be signed by the beneficiary to be considered valid. While suppliers may be hesitant to recommend specific contracted suppliers, directing beneficiaries to 1-800-MEDICARE to find local contracted suppliers is encouraged. Refund Provisions and Time Limits Suppliers who sell or rent medical equipment and supplies to Medicare beneficiaries are subject to refund provisions, irrespective of whether they accept assignment or not. If a proper ABN is not issued before receiving covered items, the beneficiary bears no financial responsibility. Refunds must be made within specified time limits, either 30 days after receiving the remittance advice (RA) or 15 days after receiving the notice of the review determination if a review is requested. Failure to comply with refund requirements may result in civil money penalties or exclusion from the Medicare program. Recovering Resalable Items In cases where Medicare denies payment for an item, and the beneficiary is relieved of payment liability, the supplier may repossess resalable or re-rentable items. However, suppliers should refrain from recovering consumable or unsellable items. If circumstances change and payment is no longer precluded, a new claim can be submitted or an ABN can be issued. To conclude, as a wound care provider, understanding ABN is crucial for effective communication with Medicare beneficiaries. By following the guidelines for issuing ABNs in various scenarios, you can ensure compliance with Medicare regulations while providing the necessary care and services to your patients. About Medical Billers and Coders (MBC) Medical Billers and Coders (MBC) is a leading wound care billing company dedicated to streamlining the billing process for wound care providers. With our expertise in medical coding, claims submission, and reimbursement processes, MBC ensures accurate and timely billing for wound care services. We understand the unique complexities of wound care billing, including the documentation requirements and coding specificity. MBC's team of experienced billers and coders are well-versed in the intricacies of wound care procedures, allowing them to maximize reimbursement and minimize claim denials. With our commitment to excellence and comprehensive knowledge of wound care billing, Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 3

4. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: MBC is a trusted partner for wound care providers seeking efficient and reliable billing services. For further information about our wound care billing services, please reach out via email at info@medicalbillersandcoders.com or by calling 888-357-3226. Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 4