Do all plans accept the universal CMS-1500s/HCFA claim form?
Most do, though some employee assistance programs (EAPs) require their own forms. How do I keep track of all this? Record the submission date and payments in the client’s chart. My book Navigating the Insurance Maze includes a sample Service Record that I use for tracking claim submissions and all payments, both from clients and the plan (click here for book info). It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of paper claims. One way to do this is to purchase carbonless duplicate claim forms (to purchase claim forms, click here). Must I fill out a new form every time I bill? No. Many therapists partially fill out a claim form for the client at the first session, leaving the session-specific information blank. Each time they bill, they use this as a template, making a copy, and filling in the new information. However, claims submitted on original red CMS-1500 claim forms (not copied) are usually paid MUCH more rapidly, since they may be computer-scanned. What if I make a mistake on a claim I se
