The new CMS forms were designed to change over from ICD9 to ICD10 diagnosis codes. During the implementation period when both versions are accepted, there will be an indicator added to designate which version of diagnosis code you are using, ICD9 or ICD10. Another major change is that the new forms will be able to report 12 diagnosis codes rather than the 4 on the current forms.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in the CMS Medicare Learning Network on June 27, 2013 that their tentative timeline for implementing the 02/12 1500 claim form is as follows:
- January 6, 2014: Medicare begins receiving and processing paper claims submitted on the revised CMS 1500 claim form (version 02/12).
- January 6 through March 31, 2014: Dual use period during which Medicare continues to receive and process paper claims submitted on the old CMS 1500 claim form (version 08/05).
- April 1, 2014: Medicare receives and processes paper claims submitted only on the revised CMS 1500 claim form (version 02/12).
These dates are tentative and subject to change. CMS will provide more information as it is available.