When dates of service span two months, what should you do?

When dates of service span two months, what should you do?

• A. Always report a single from-to
• B. Break lines per payer rules or report range per payer guidelines
• C. Use only the to date
• D. Use only the from date

Answer: (B)

Dates of service that cross into a new calendar month must be recorded according to each payer’s rules for how to show the service period on the claim. The best approach is to follow the payer’s guidance by either breaking the service into multiple lines (each with its own from-to dates that fit within the payer’s monthly boundaries) or by reporting a range on the line if the payer allows it. This ensures the service period is clear and adjudication can occur accurately. For example, if an encounter runs from January 28 to February 2, you would either split into two lines with January 28–January 31 and February 1–February 2, or, if the payer permits, report a single January 28–February 2 range. The key is to adhere to the payer’s specific rules rather than applying a single generic format across all payers.

Dates of service that cross into a new calendar month must be recorded according to each payer’s rules for how to show the service period on the claim. The best approach is to follow the payer’s guidance by either breaking the service into multiple lines (each with its own from-to dates that fit within the payer’s monthly boundaries) or by reporting a range on the line if the payer allows it. This ensures the service period is clear and adjudication can occur accurately.

For example, if an encounter runs from January 28 to February 2, you would either split into two lines with January 28–January 31 and February 1–February 2, or, if the payer permits, report a single January 28–February 2 range. The key is to adhere to the payer’s specific rules rather than applying a single generic format across all payers.