The following are extracted from announcements from the National Uniform
Billing Committee (NUBC) and the National Uniform Claims Committee
(NUCC).

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

"The National Uniform Billing Committee (NUBC) announced today
(12/17/2004) the opening of a 45-day public comment period, ending
February 1, 2005, for the new UB-04 data set and form to replace the
UB-92. The UB-04 contains a number of improvements and enhancements
that resulted from nearly four years of research. The NUBC is
conducting this final survey to better understand the timelines and
transition issues surrounding the implementation of the UB-04. Those
wishing to comment on the UB-04 are encouraged to visit the NUBC website
http://www.nubc.org/ for further information. There, you will find the
survey, a copy of the UB-04 form, and other supporting information that
explains the differences between the current UB-92 and the new UB-04.
The NUBC will review the survey results at its next meeting in
Baltimore, Maryland on February 22nd and 23rd, and will deliberate on an
implementation schedule for the UB-04."

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

"In preparation for the implementation of the National Provider
Identifier (NPI), the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) recently
made recommendations regarding the placement of the NPI on the CMS-1500
paper claim form. The NUCC recommendations include minor changes to
some of the box headings in the 1500 claim form and instructions for the
appropriate placement of the NPI. The NUCC is seeking comments on the
instructions and draft form that can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.nucc.org/draft1500/ . Please refer all comments regarding
the proposed changes to nucc@... by February 15, 2005."

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


And, while I have your time, you may also wish to note the following
from the Office of Management and Budget:

HHS-CMS RIN: 0938-AN68
Procedures for the Submission of Non-Privacy Administrative
Simplification Complaints Under the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act of 1996 (CMS-0014-N)
STAGE: Notice ECONOMICALLY SIGNIFICANT: No
RECEIVED: 12/10/2004 LEGAL DEADLINE: None


Happy holidays.

Dave Feinberg
Rensis Corporation [A Consulting Company]
206-617-1717
DAFeinberg@...
Author of "Understanding HIPAA Communications"