CMS Releases New ABN Form

CMS has announced the release of the latest Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (ABN) effective 8/31/2022. Providers may issue ABNs to patients when they suspect Medicare will deny payment for a provided service. A properly completed ABN documents the patient is aware that Medicare may not pay for their test, and the patient agrees to pay for the service if denied. 

CMS periodically updates ABN forms for administrative purposes. The latest version’s primary change is an updated expiration date of June 30, 2023. While this is a minor change, providers are required to utilize the updated ABN effective August 31, 2022. CMS advises that using outdated forms invalidates the patient notice and will disallow providers from billing the patient.

• Starting August 31, 2022, all providers must utilize the updated ABN form
• The updated version is Form No. CMS-R-131 (Exp. 06/30/2023)
• This form is also identified in the footer as Form Approved OMB No. 0938-0566
• Download the new form and obtain additional instructions by visiting the CMS ABN website.

Source: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/BNI/ABN