What is the difference between a 'new patient' and 'established patient' status on CMS-1500 submissions?

What is the difference between a 'new patient' and 'established patient' status on CMS-1500 submissions?

• A. New patient status means the patient has no previous encounter with the practice.
• B. Established patient status means the patient has had previous encounters.
• C. Some payer systems track patient status for billing rules; ensure to follow payer guidelines and documentation, though not all CMS-1500 versions explicitly indicate patient status on the form itself.
• D. There is no difference.

Answer: (C)