Why are the 'Identification Code Qualifiers' so inconsistent?
 
In the 837 P, the rendering provider can have only three distinct identifiers in NM108. Either '24' for EIN, '34' for SSN or 'XX' for HCFA.
The 835, where the same information has to be provided, has different code sets.  Here the SSN is represented by 'FI'. There is no code for an employer ID but there are additional codes. BS for Blue Shield, BD for Blue Cross and so on.
The REF segments, that could provide additional identifiers for a rendering provider, have again different qualifiers.  Here Blue Shield is represented by '1B', and there is no Blue Cross identifier and social security number is now 'SY'
 
This is a mess.
 
There should be only one complete list for ID qualifiers throughout HIPAA transaction sets with clearly and uniquely defined meanings. This code set should be valid for all NM1 08 elements as well as REF segments. 
 
Martin Scholl
Scholl Consulting Group, Inc.
301-924-5537 Tel
301-570-0139 Fax
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.SchollConsulting.com

Reply via email to