I just spoke with Diane at Empire Medicare, our FI (NY and NJ), about the use of the new SNFABN form. She stated that "nothing has changed" with respect to their requirements for denial letters and notices of non-coverage. She said that they will inform their clients via the "Medicare News Updates" of any changes. Diane (and whoever she checked with when I pressed her on the question) had no knowledge of the new SNFABN. In Carolyn Davis' note about this change she stated, "enforcement of this requirement will not occur until early 2004 to give providers time to introduce it." Based upon my conversation with the person at Empire Medicare, I take it that the FI's are the providers who have to introduce it. They are the ones who make sure that the documents/procedures we are using are "correct" and we need to continue to work in accordance with the procedures the FI recognizes. It might be wise for others to check
with their FI's before going ahead with sudden changes.
Caroline Larson, RN, MS, RAC-C
MDS/PRI Coordinator
Fairport Baptist Homes, Fairport, NY 14450
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