CLAIMS: During the patient check in process, may we have the patient check a box on a form at each visit stating they agree to allow us to bill Medicare and have that serve as the patient’s acceptance for our filing a claim?
No, CMS-1500 claim filing instructions, found in CMS Internet-Only-Manual, Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 26 Section 10.3 Item 12, indicate the patient or authorized representative must sign and enter the date unless the signature is on file. Signature on file is obtained when a beneficiary signs a specific signature card indicating they are providing their authorization to the provider to file claims on their behalf.