Incorrect formatting of the revised Form CMS-1500 (08-05) has caused the Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services to delay the deadline for the form’s mandated use from April 1, 2007, to possibly June 1, 2007. The form, which was intended to accommodate the National Provider Identifier and replace Form CMS-1500 (12-90), is already in circulation without the correct specifications. CMS said it will continue to accept the previous Form CMS-1500 (12-90) until the revised form is corrected. In the meantime, contractors are being asked to return, not manually key, any Form CMS-1500 (08-05) not printed to specification. CMS said the correct version of CMS-1500 (08-05) can be identified as follows: “On properly formatted claim forms, there will be approximately a ¼-inch gap between the tip of the red arrow above the vertically stacked word “CARRIER” and the top edge of the paper. If the tip of the red arrow is touching or close to touching the top edge of the paper, then the form is not printed to specifications.” Read the news release.
