The N.Y.S. Board is in a "form frenzy" lately, with required use of the CMS-1500, two recent updates to the C-32 cover sheet for settlements, and a forthcoming overhaul of the medical bill objection C-8.1 form.
Providers are now required to submit medical reports and bills electronically on the CMS-1500. The form, and accompanied narrative if desired, are submitted to the Board and carriers or self-insured employers via Board approved electronic partners, engaged by the providers. The providers may bill the carriers and self-insured employers to cover the cost of the electronic submission partner.
The new C-32 is extended from one to two pages. Parties are required to check boxes addressing outstanding medical present in a file before settlement, as well as resolution of C-8.1 bill objections. Both issues have long been addressed in the narrative portions of full and final or medical only settlement agreements.
The revised C-8.1 requires the objecting party to specifically cite the basis of the objection, such as documentation in the Board file or specific sections of the Medical Treatment Guidelines. The enhancement contrasts sharply with the earlier C-8.1s which provided stock objections in boxes that could simply be checked by the submitter.
The CMS-1500, C-32 and C-8.1 are available on the N.Y.S. Workers Compensation Board website.
