In regards to the H1N1 vaccine administration in a Rural Health Clinic (RHC) setting, should we be maintaining a log of administrations for cost reporting purposes?
The H1N1 is a type of influenza virus. You would bill the H1N1 vaccine just the same as you would the Type A influenza vaccine. Independent and provider-based RHCs and Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs) do not include charges for influenza virus and pneumococcal vaccines on Form CMS-1450. Administration of these vaccines does not count as a visit when the only service involved is the administration of influenza virus and/or pneumococcal vaccine(s). If there was another reason for the visit, the RHC/FQHC should bill for the visit without adding the cost of the influenza virus and pneumococcal vaccines on the claim. FI/A/B MACs pay at the time of cost settlement and adjust interim rates to account for this additional cost if they determine that the payment is more than a negligible amount. See the Medicare Claims Processing ManualAdobe Portable Document format.
