The original implementation date was Sept. 1, but CMS extended the mandatory use date to Nov. 1 and then Jan. 1, 2012. The date was delayed to give providers and suppliers more time to transition to using the new form and to use up leftover copies of the old forms.
The revised form replaces the ABN-G, ABN-L and NEMB. The latest version of the ABN has a release date of March 2011 printed in the lower-left corner; all ABNs with a release date of March 2008 used on or after Jan. 1, 2012, will be considered invalid.
The ABN should be used in situations where Medicare payment is expected to be denied.
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