The Practitioner Connection
Volume XXV, 1st Quarter

PLACE OF SERVICE COLUMN

Completing billing forms may be overwhelming at times. Each form has many different areas to complete, with different coding and requirements. It might seem easier to leave a box blank or complete it with the information from a previous session. However, not completing the HCFA/CMS 1500 or UB forms completely can delay the processing and payment of claims. It is important to use updated information for an accurate claim and processing. One area of the HCFA/CMS 1500 form that is commonly overlooked or completed incorrectly is the Place of Service column (column B under section 24 on the form.) If the place of service field is left blank or completed with a code that does not match the procedure code being used, the claim will have to be manually reviewed in order to determine correct processing.

In most cases, the place of service is the provider’s office. The place of service code for this is 11. However, it less commonly known that there are also codes for School (04), Home (12) and even Group Homes (14). There are also codes for Inpatient Hospital settings (51), Community Mental Health Centers (53) and Residential Treatment centers (code is based on whether care is for substance abuse or psychiatric care). The use of the proper place of service codes can help to ensure that the claim submitted can be processed timely and accurately. For blank HFCA/CMS 1500 billing forms or additional information on filling out these forms, please refer to the Medical Management Program on our website at www.cignabehavioral.com

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