No that is incorrect. Primary payer ALWAYS has to be billed first. That is why there is an ABN and occurrence codes to allow billing to bypass Medicare.

 

From: billers@list.mnhomecare.org <billers@list.mnhomecare.org> On Behalf Of Olson, Cindy
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2019 3:04 PM
To: 'billers@list.mnhomecare.org' <billers@list.mnhomecare.org>
Subject: RE: ABN question

 

I’ve always been told that the veteran has the choice to use the VA benefit or Medicare. 

 

Cindy Olson | Business Office Manager

Volunteers of America | ciolson@voa.org

Stanley Jones & Associates/Volunteers of America

1800 High Pointe Ln NW Suite 250

Rochester, MN   55901

T: 507-322-5738 | F: 507-322-5716

 

Helping America’s most vulnerable®

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From: billers@list.mnhomecare.org [mailto:billers@list.mnhomecare.org] On Behalf Of Tina Tomberlin
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2019 3:01 PM
To: 'billers@list.mnhomecare.org' <billers@list.mnhomecare.org>
Subject: RE: ABN question

 

I don’t think it’s a choice.  VA covers only when/if Medicare criteria is not met.  If they find out client was not seen under Medicare when criteria was met, they can deny payment.  You could call the VA you are working with to get definite answer if you are still unsure.

 

Tina Tomberlin

Patient Accounts/Hospice Volunteer Coordinator

Mille Lacs Health System Home Care/Hospice

200 Elm St N

Onamia, MN 56359

P. 320.532.2807

F. 320.532.4325

 

From: billers@list.mnhomecare.org [mailto:billers@list.mnhomecare.org] On Behalf Of Stark, Jennifer
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2019 2:49 PM
To: 'billers@list.mnhomecare.org'
Subject: RE: ABN question

 

That is how our agency handled these case as well, but we’ve recently had some patients who were adamant about using their VA coverage and not Medicare.  I’m told it is ultimately the patients right to choose.  Is that correct?

 

From: billers@list.mnhomecare.org [mailto:billers@list.mnhomecare.org] On Behalf Of Brittany Schwecke
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2019 2:32 PM
To: billers@list.mnhomecare.org
Subject: RE: ABN question

 

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Yes I would agree with Darlene- IF the client meets all Medicare Criteria then we would run as Medicare. Many clients don’t meet at the Medicare criteria and that is then how/why we run them as VA

 

Brittany Schwecke | Accountant

Renville County | 105 S 5th Street, Suite 119H | Olivia, Minnesota 56277           

Phone: 320-523-3721 | brittanys@renvillecountymn.com

             

Public Health Logo for Signature Line    800x240

 

From: billers@list.mnhomecare.org <billers@list.mnhomecare.org> On Behalf Of Tuma, Darlene
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2019 2:24 PM
To: billers@list.mnhomecare.org
Subject: RE: ABN question

 

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VA sends the letter stating you should use Medicare if eligible. Many of our client don’t quite meet all the criteria therefore not an issue

 

From: billers@list.mnhomecare.org [mailto:billers@list.mnhomecare.org] On Behalf Of Rettig, Lynette
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2019 2:21 PM
To: billers@list.mnhomecare.org
Subject: RE: ABN question

 

I did not know that patients could decide if they wanted the claim to be billed to VA (if it qualified for Medicare)  (patients choice)

 

Lynette Rettig

Billing Supervisor

Ridgeview Home Health Services

501 S. Maple St STE 1

Waconia MN 55387

952-442-6030 Ext 35520

 

From: billers@list.mnhomecare.org <billers@list.mnhomecare.org> On Behalf Of Brittany Schwecke
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2019 2:19 PM
To: billers@list.mnhomecare.org
Subject: RE: ABN question

 

 

 
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Yes we do have a completed ABN for those in this situation.

 

Brittany Schwecke | Accountant

Renville County | 105 S 5th Street, Suite 119H | Olivia, Minnesota 56277           

Phone: 320-523-3721 | brittanys@renvillecountymn.com

             

Public Health Logo for Signature Line    800x240

 

From: billers@list.mnhomecare.org <billers@list.mnhomecare.org> On Behalf Of Stark, Jennifer
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2019 2:14 PM
To: 'billers@list.mnhomecare.org' <billers@list.mnhomecare.org>
Subject: ABN question

 

RENVILLE COUNTY SECURITY NOTICE:

WARNING: This message originated from outside Renville County. Use caution when clicking hyperlinks or opening attachments.


 

Question for the billing group:  Are your home health agencies having an ABN completed for patients that choose to receive home care services under their VA benefit, instead of under Medicare.  The patient will be receiving skilled services, is homebound…meets Medicare criteria, but requests to have services covered by VA. Referral is from the VA and they will cover services. 

 

Jennifer Stark, RHIA

Health Information & Compliance Coordinator

Home Care & Hospice

220 North 6th Ave. East | Duluth, MN 55805

Phone: 218.249.6147 | Fax: 218.249.6166

jennifer.stark@slhduluth.com

slhduluth.com

 

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