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Immunizations Billing Manual

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This Immunization Billing Manual provides a summary of benefits and billing guidelines for Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) providers who administer vaccines to adults and children. The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (the Department) periodically reviews and modifies immunization benefits and services. Therefore, the information in this manual is subject to change, and the manual is updated as new policies are implemented.

To access the most recent fee schedule, please refer to the Provider Rates and Fee Schedules web page.

The immunization benefit works to promote and facilitate the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases. Health First Colorado maintains an inter-agency agreement with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to implement immunization recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Covered Services

Immunizations for all Health First Colorado members are a benefit when recommended by the ACIP. This includes COVID-19 vaccines approved through an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Health First Colorado members under 19 years of age are eligible to receive all immunizations available from the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program at VFC-enrolled provider offices, as well as any other vaccine distributed by the federal government, at no cost, to Health First Colorado providers. Effective September 11, 2023, COVID-19 vaccines are included in the VFC Program.

  • For more information about the VFC Program, please see the "Vaccines for Children Program" section in Appendix C of this manual.
  • Immunizations may be given during an Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) periodic screening visit, an EPSDT inter-periodic visit or any other medical appointment.
  • Health First Colorado-enrolled providers will be reimbursed for administering vaccines distributed to eligible providers by the federal government, at no cost, outside of the VFC Program.
  • Health First Colorado-enrolled providers will also be reimbursed for administering vaccines distributed to eligible providers, by the federal government, at no cost, outside of the VFC Program.
  • Vaccines for Children Program vaccines cannot be used for anyone 19 and older.
  • All vaccines that are part of the VFC Program are only reimbursable when administered to members under 19 years of age and when administered by a VFC-enrolled provider using VFC vaccine products.
  • The influenza vaccine is covered for all members. All ACIP-recommended vaccines are covered for all Health First Colorado Members without cost-sharing.

Members enrolled in a Health First Colorado Managed Care Organization (MCO) must receive immunization services through a provider in the MCO's network. COVID-19 vaccines are an exception to this policy. COVID-19 vaccine administrations in a clinic setting and billed on a professional claim (CMS 1500) are covered directly through fee for service to the fiscal agent and do not need to be billed to the MCO. Institutional claims (UB-04) that include a COVID-19 vaccine administration should continue to be submitted to the appropriate MCO.

Vaccines available from the VFC Program are updated annually and listed on the Provider Rates and Fee Schedule web page under Immunization Rate Schedule.

Refer to the Immunization Schedules for the current ACIP recommended schedules for children, teens and adults.

A VFC product code, as well as an administration code, must always be included on any claims for vaccination.

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Prior Authorization

There are no prior authorization requirements for any vaccine recommended by the ACIP. Please refer to the Synagis® section of this manual for more information about prior authorization of Synagis®.

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Pharmacy Administration of Vaccines

Health First Colorado members may receive the following vaccinations by an enrolled pharmacist at a Health First Colorado-enrolled pharmacy:

Vaccine CPT Codes Age Restrictions
Shingles 90750
90736		 19
60+
TDaP 90715 19+
TD 90714 19+
Pneumococcal

90670

90671
90732

90677

19+

19+
19+

19+
Meningococcal

90619

90620

90621

90733

90734

19+

19+

19+

19+

19+
Hepatitis A

90632

90636

19+

19+
Hepatitis B

90636

90739

90746

19+

19+

19+
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B 90647 19+
HPV

90649

90650

90651

19+

19+

19+
MMR 90707 19+
Polio 90713 19+
Varicella 90716 19+
Flu Injection

90662

90674

90682

90686

90688

90694

90756

65+

19+

19+

19+

19+

65+

19+
Flu Intranasal 90672 19-49
RSV

90678

90679

During pregnancy OR 60+

60+
COVID-19 Injection

91320

91322

90480

 In accordance with evolving FDA EUA approval
Monkeypox/Smallpox

90611

90622

 0+
Vaccine Counseling 

G0310

G0311

G0312

G0313

G0314

G0315

21+

21+

0-20

0-20

0-20

0-20

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Pharmacist Billing Guidelines

To submit vaccine claims, please use these guidelines:

  • The pharmacy's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is the billing provider.
  • The pharmacist's NPI is the rendering provider.
  • A product code, as well as an administration code, must always be included in any claims for vaccination.

Pharmacists must follow the Board of Pharmacy Rules outlined in 3CCR 719-1, 19.00.00.

For additional information related to provider enrollment or claim submission, visit the Quick Guides web page.

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Non-Covered Services and General Limitations

Health First Colorado will not reimburse providers for the cost of vaccines that are available through the VFC Program or for the cost of vaccines that the provider receives at no cost from the federal government. A product code, as well as an administration code, must always be included on any claims for vaccination. Providers must enroll with VFC, as well as Health First Colorado, and use VFC vaccines to receive reimbursement for vaccines administered to members under 19 years of age. 

Immunizations for the sole purpose of international travel are not a benefit for Health First Colorado members.

School District providers participating in the School Health Services (SHS) Program may not bill for immunizations.

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General Billing Information

Refer to the General Provider Information Manual for general billing information.

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Vaccine Administration Codes and Reimbursement Rates

The following codes should be used for all vaccine administration, including VFC vaccine administrations for members under 19 years of age. Report these codes in addition to the vaccine and toxoid code(s).

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Code 
Use the following codes for VFC vaccine administration to members under 19 years of age with face-to-face counseling of the member/family during the vaccine administration:
90460 90461 (used to indicate multi-component vaccinations when listed in addition to 90460)
Use the following codes for vaccine administration to members of any age when the administration is not accompanied by any face-to-face counseling, or for administration to members over 18 years of age with or without counseling:
90471 + 90472 (List separately in addition to 90471, 90473)
+ 90472 + 90474 (List separately in addition to 90471, 90473) 
Use the following code for Nirsevemab administration 
96372  
Use the following code for vaccine administration to members of any age when administering COVID-19 vaccines
90480  

Refer to the fee schedule on the Provider Rates and Fee Schedules web page in the Provider Services section of the Department's website for the most up-to-date rate information.

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Using Pediatric Immunization Codes 90460 and 90461

The following chart identifies the number of components in some of the common pediatric vaccines and how to report the pediatric immunization administration codes for each vaccine.

Table 1

Vaccine # of Components Which Administration Codes to Report?
HPV 1 90460
Influenza 1 90460
Meningococcal 1 90460
Pneumococcal 1 90460
Td 2 90460, 90461
DTaP or Tdap 3 90460, 90461, 90461
MMR 3 90460, 90461, 90461
DTaP-Hib-IPV 5 90460, 90461, 90461, 90461, 90461
DTaP-HepB-IPV 5 90460, 90461, 90461, 90461, 90461
DTaP-IPV 4 90460, 90461, 90461, 90461
MMRV 4 90460, 90461, 90461, 90461
DTaP-Hib 4 90460, 90461, 90461, 90461
HepB-Hib 2 90460, 90461
Rotavirus 1 90473
IPV 1 90460
Hib 1 90460

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics 

To submit claims for immunization services, providers must "roll up/bundle" the total unit count of the immunization administration codes.

  • If an immunization administration code is billed for each vaccine that was given during the visit as its own line item, each subsequent line item billed using 90460 after the initial 90460 line item will be denied as a duplicate claim.

Example 1:
The following example demonstrates how to bill for the administration of Hep A, DTaP-HIB-IPV and MMR vaccines.

Component Calculation and which codes to report using Table 1

Table 2

Vaccine # of Components Which Codes to Report?
Hep A 1 90460
DTaP-HIB-IPV 5 90460, 90461, 90461, 90461, 90461
MMR 3 90460, 90461, 90461

 

How to Bill

Table 3

Line # CPT Descriptor CPT Code Units
Line 1 First Vaccine Component 90460 3
Line 2 Additional Vaccine Component 90461 6
Line 3 Hep A 90633 1
Line 4 DTaP-HIB-IPV 90698 1
Line 5 MMR 90707 1
  • CPT code 90460 is billed for three (3) units because it was reported once for each vaccine that was administered.
  • CPT code 90461 is billed for six (6) units because it was reported six (6) times four [4] times for the DTaP-HIB-IPV vaccine and two [2] times the MMR vaccine).

For further clarification on billing pediatric immunization codes, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) practice guidelines.

Contact the Provider Services Call Center for billing questions.

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Using Vaccine Administration Codes 90471-90474

The immunization administration codes 90471-90474 need to be billed as one (1) line item, and the vaccine product should be billed as a separate line item. In order for an immunization claim to be reimbursed, both an administration code and the vaccine product must be billed. If immunization is the only service rendered, providers may not submit charges for an E&M service.

Adult immunizations are reimbursed at the lower of billed charges or the Health First Colorado fee schedule amount for each immunization.

Note: Providers are not to bill CPT codes 90471-90474 for children ages 0 through 18 for whom counseling was given (refer to the Using Pediatric Immunization Codes 90460 and 90461 section in this manual). CPT Codes 90471-90474 must only be billed for members aged 19 and older or members aged 18 and under for whom no counseling was given.

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Using Vaccine Administration Code 96372

The Nirsevemab administration code 96372 must be billed as one (1) line item, and the immunization product should be billed as a separate line item. For an immunization claim to be reimbursed, both an administration code and the immunization product code must be billed. If immunization is the only service rendered, providers may not submit charges for an E&M service.
 

Preventive Medicine Counseling Codes

Health First Colorado covers vaccine counseling visits in which healthcare providers talk to families about the importance of vaccination.

Health First Colorado also covers and will reimburse for stand-alone vaccine counseling visits as part of vaccine administration required for all routine vaccines. Providers should bill CPT G0310, G0311, G0312, G0313, G0314, or G0315 for visits in which healthcare providers give counseling about the importance of vaccination. Providers should include modifier CR for all COVID-19 vaccine counseling-only visits.

Providers should not bill for the vaccine counseling code and the vaccine administration code on the same date of service when vaccine administration codes are inclusive of counseling.

CPT G0310, G0311, G0312, G0313, G0314 or G0315 can be billed at only one visit for each member per day, but there are no quantity limits for the number of times this education is provided to an individual member.

If a specific vaccine or monoclonal antibody administration code does not include a vaccine counseling component (e.g., administration code 96372 used for RSV monoclonal antibody injections) and providers counsel and administer the vaccine or monoclonal antibody on the same date of service, providers may bill the appropriate Preventive Medicine Counseling Code (CPTs 99401-99404) for the counseling portion of the visit.

Keep documentation in the member's chart that shows the duration of counseling and a list of the prevention topics covered during counseling.

If there is a separately identifiable E&M service performed outside of vaccine counseling and immunization administration, a separate E&M visit code may be reported along with modifier 25.

When using a modifier is appropriate, refer to the CMS National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Policy Manual, Chapter 1, Section E, for specific guidance on the proper use of modifiers.

Billing Instructions for Specific Providers

Pharmacists
Pharmacists must bill for vaccinations on a professional claim (CMS 1500) either via batch through a vendor or through the Provider Web Portal using the pharmacy's NPI as the billing provider, the pharmacist's NPI as the rendering provider and the physician on the standing order as the ordering provider.

  • Pharmacies must have a Provider Web Portal account because the pharmacists do not bill. They are strictly the renderer on the claims.
  • Pharmacies can add a pharmacist to their Provider Web Portal account as a delegate for the purpose of submitting claims on their behalf. Refer to the Delegates - Provider Web Portal Quick Guide for instructions.
  • Pharmacies can submit Fee-For-Service (FFS) claims via the Provider Web Portal or batch claims via the 837P.
  • If the member is enrolled in Denver Health Medicaid Choice or Rocky Mountain Health Plans Prime, providers must submit the claim to the MCO. COVID-19 vaccines are an exception to this policy. COVID-19 vaccine administrations in a clinic setting and billed on a professional claim (CMS 1500) are covered directly through fee for service to the fiscal agent and do not need to be billed to the MCO. Institutional claims (UB-04) that include a COVID-19 vaccine should still be submitted to the appropriate MCO.

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Managed Care Programs (MCOs)

Health First Colorado members enrolled in an MCO must receive immunization services from the MCO, and providers may not bill Health First Colorado directly for vaccines provided to these members. COVID-19 vaccines are an exception to this policy. COVID-19 vaccine administrations in a clinic setting and billed on a professional claim (CMS 1500) are covered directly through fee for service to the fiscal agent and do not need to be billed to the MCO. Institutional claims (UB-04) that include a COVID-19 vaccine should still be submitted to the appropriate MCO.

Outpatient, Emergency Room or Inpatient Hospital
Immunization administration may be billed as part of an outpatient or emergency room visit when the visit is for medical reasons.

Outpatient or emergency room visits cannot be billed for the sole purpose of immunization administration. Administration of immunization at the time of an inpatient stay is included in the All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Group (APR-DRG).

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs)

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) may bill an encounter fee even if the only service provided is immunization administration by a billable provider, so long as the visit otherwise qualifies as a billable encounter per 10 CCR 2505-10 8.700 (FQHC) and 8.740 (RHC). If immunization is administered in addition to a routine office visit, then an additional encounter fee may not be billed. Effective February 21, 2021, through the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE), FQHCs will be directly reimbursed at the fee schedule rates for administering the COVID-19 vaccines. If the COVID-19 vaccine is provided as part of a regular billable visit, or another service is provided by an FQHC billable provider, FQHCs can receive their encounter rate reimbursement in addition to the fee schedule reimbursement.

Nursing Facilities

Nursing facility residents may receive immunizations if ordered by their physician. The skilled nursing component for immunization administration is included in the facility's rate. The vaccine itself may be billed directly to Health First Colorado by a Health First Colorado enrolled pharmacy. The pharmacy must bill the appropriate National Drug Code (NDC) for the individual vaccine dose under the member's Health First Colorado ID. Nursing facility residents may receive COVID-19 vaccinations from any qualified provider. If a pharmacist, pharmacy intern or pharmacy technician administers the vaccine to a nursing facility resident, the pharmacy may bill for the vaccine administration under the member's Health First Colorado ID.

Home Health
A member receiving home health services may receive immunizations if the administration is part of a normally scheduled home health visit. A home health visit for the sole purpose of immunization administration is not a benefit.

The pharmacy bills the vaccine as an individual dose under the member's Colorado Health First Colorado ID. The home health agency may not bill for the vaccine. Pharmacies may bill for reimbursement of COVID-19 vaccine administration. Pharmacies may not bill for the cost of COVID-19 vaccine products if the vaccine products are received from the federal government at no cost.

Alternative Health Care Facilities (ACFs)/Group Homes

Residents of an ACF may receive immunizations from their own physicians. They may also receive vaccines under home health as stated above in the home health guideline.

Health First Colorado does not pay for home health agencies, physicians or other non-physician practitioners to go to nursing facilities, group homes or residential treatment centers to administer immunizations (e.g., flu vaccines) to groups of members. However, COVID-19 vaccines are an exception to this policy. Health First Colorado will pay pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in Long-term Care (LTC) Facilities through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC’s) Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care (LTC) Program or other partnership between an LTC and a pharmacy.

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Medicare Crossover Claims (Medicare/Medicaid Claims)

For Medicare crossover claims, Health First Colorado pays the Medicare deductible and coinsurance or Health First Colorado allowable reimbursement minus the Medicare payment, whichever amount is less. If Medicare's payment for immunization services is the same or greater than the Health First Colorado allowable benefit, no additional payment is made.

If Medicare pays 100% of the Medicare allowable, Health First Colorado makes no additional payment.

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Immunization Billing Codes

Please see Appendix B of this manual.

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National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Impacts on Immunization and Evaluation & Management (E&M) Codes

Effective April 1, 2014, the Department will no longer reimburse NCCI Procedure-to-Procedure (PTP) edits when immunization administration procedure codes (CPT 90460-90474) are paired with preventive medicine E&M service procedure codes (CPT 99381-99397).

If a significant separately identifiable E&M service (e.g., new or established member office or other outpatient services [99201-99215], office or other outpatient consultation [99241-99245], emergency department service [99281-99285], preventive medicine service [99381-99429] is performed), the appropriate E&M service code should be reported in addition to the vaccine and toxoid administration codes.

Each NCCI PTP edit has an assigned modifier indicator. A modifier indicator of 0" indicates that NCCI PTP-associated modifiers cannot be used to bypass the edit. A modifier indicator of 1" indicates that NCCI PTP-associated modifiers may be used to bypass an edit under appropriate circumstances. A modifier indicator of 9" indicates that the edit has been deleted and the modifier indicator is not relevant. The Correct Coding Modifier Indicator can be found in the files containing Health First Colorado NCCI PTP edits on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website.

A modifier should not be added to a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)/CPT code solely to bypass an NCCI PTP edit if the clinical circumstances do not justify its use. If the E&M service is significant and separately identifiable and performed on the same day, the E&M code should be billed with the vaccine and toxoid administration codes using PTP associated modifier '25.' Modifier '25' is only valid when appended to the E&M codes. Do not append to the immunization administration procedure codes 90460-90474.

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COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are used to prevent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infections and the disease they cause, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). All FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines are a covered benefit for all Health First Colorado Members without cost-sharing and without prior authorization. This includes COVID-19 vaccines approved under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). As long as providers receive the vaccine product from the federal government or the VFC Program at no cost, Health First Colorado will reimburse for vaccine administration only. Providers serving adult members (aged 19 and up) may also seek reimbursement for commercially purchased COVID-19 vaccine products in addition to vaccine administration. A product code, as well as an administration code, must always be included in any claims for vaccination. Effective September 11, 2023, pediatric COVID-19 vaccines are part of the VFC Program and must be administered by a VFC-enrolled provider using VFC vaccine products.

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Synagis® (palivizumab) Vaccine

Synagis® (Palivizumab) is used to prevent serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in certain high-risk pediatric members. The Department uses coverage criteria based on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2014 and the Colorado Chapter of the AAP recommendations for RSV prophylactic therapy. Synagis® (Palivizumab) is not provided by the VFC Program.

Limitations on Synagis®

Synagis® is administered by intramuscular injections, at 15 mg per kg of body weight, once a month during expected periods of RSV frequency in the community. Providers should be aware that the Colorado RSV season typically has a later onset, starting closer to December, and should schedule their Synagis® doses accordingly. Synagis® administration must be prior authorized. Members who have received Nirsevemab may not receive Synagis in the same season.

Synagis® season usually begins in the fall. For more information, refer to the annual Synagis® provider bulletin on the Provider Bulletins web page.

Billing for Synagis®

  • The Department will provide pricing information during each Synagis® season.
  • Providers may not ask members to obtain Synagis® from a pharmacy and bring it to the practitioner's office for administration.
  • Synagis® given in a doctor's office, hospital or dialysis unit is to be billed directly by those facilities as a medical benefit. Prior Authorization Requests (PARs) for Synagis® billed as a medical benefit shall be submitted to the fee for service Utilization Management (UM) vendor via their online PAR portal, Atrezzo.
  • Synagis® may only be a pharmacy benefit if the medication is administered in the member's home or long-term care facility.

Note: A separate Synagis® PAR process exists for the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) State Managed Care Network members. Any questions regarding this process should be directed to Colorado Access at 303-751-9005 or 800-511-5010, or US Bioservices at 303-706-0053.

Nirsevemab

Nirsevemab is a monoclonal antibody for the prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease. It is available through the VFC Program for providers enrolled in the program to administer to Health First Colorado enrolled children. It does not require prior approval. Report the administration of Nirsevimab with code 96372 . Do not report immunization administration codes 90461–90462 or 90471–90472 for the injection of Nirsevimab. Members who have received Nirsevemab may not receive Synagis in the same season.

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Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Seasonal influenza vaccine is a benefit for children and adults and is recommended for individuals who are six (6) months of age or older. Influenza vaccine is available through the VFC Program for providers enrolled in the program to administer to Health First Colorado-enrolled children/adolescents (under 19 years of age). (See Appendix B).

For more Health First Colorado information on the seasonal influenza vaccine for both children and adults, refer to the annual Synagis® and Influenza Vaccines Provider Bulletin on the Provider Bulletins web page.

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Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

The VFC Program, administered by CDPHE, partners with Health First Colorado to provide free vaccines for providers to administer to Health First Colorado-enrolled children.

Participation in the VFC Program is strongly encouraged by the Department. VFC participation is required for reimbursement for administration of vaccines to members under 19 years of age. Providers, including but not limited to private practitioners, managed care providers, local public health agencies, Rural Health Centers (RHCs), hospital outpatient clinics, school-based health centers, pharmacies and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), who wish to participate in the immunization program must enroll with CDPHE. Visit the Vaccines for Children web page or call 303-692-2650 for information on the CDPHE VFC Program.

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CMS 1500 Paper Claim Reference Table

The following paper form reference table shows required, optional, and conditional fields and detailed field completion instructions for the CMS 1500 professional claim form.

CMS Field Number & Label Field is? Instructions
1. Insurance Type Required Place an "X" in the box marked as Medicaid.
1a. Insured's ID Number Required Enter the member's Health First Colorado seven-digit Health First Colorado ID number as it appears on the Medicaid identification card. Example: A123456
2. Patient's Name Required Enter the member's last name, first name, and middle initial.
3. Patient's Date of Birth/Sex Required Enter the member's birth date using two digits for the month, two digits for the date and two digits for the year. Example: 070114 for July 1, 2014

Place an "X" in the appropriate box to indicate the sex of the member.
4. Insured's Name Conditional Complete if the member is covered by a Medicare health insurance policy.

Enter the insured's full last name, first name and middle initial. If the insured used a last name suffix (e.g., Jr, Sr), enter it after the last name and before the first name.
5. Patient's Address Not Required  
6. Patient's Relationship to Insured Conditional Complete if the member is covered by a commercial health insurance policy. Place an "X" in the box that identifies the member's relationship to the policyholder.
7. Insured's Address Not Required  
8. Reserved for NUCC Use Not Required  
9. Other Insured's Name Conditional If field 11d is marked "YES," enter the insured's last name, first name and middle initial.
9a. Other Insured's Policy or Group Number Conditional If field 11d is marked "YES," enter the policy or group number.
9b. Reserved for NUCC Use    
9c. Reserved for NUCC Use    
9d. Insurance Plan or Program Name Conditional If field 11D is marked "YES," enter the insurance plan or program name.
10a-c. Is patient's condition related to? Conditional When appropriate, place an "X" in the correct box to indicate whether one or more of the services described in field 24 are for a condition or injury that occurred on the job, as a result of an auto accident or other.
10d. Reserved for Local Use    
11. Insured's Policy, Group or FECA Number Conditional Complete if the member is covered by a Medicare health insurance policy.

Enter the insured's policy number as it appears on the identification card. Only complete if field 4 is completed.
11a. Insured's Date of Birth, Sex Conditional Complete if the member is covered by a Medicare health insurance policy.

Enter the insured's birth date using two digits for the month, two digits for the date and two digits for the year. Example: 070114 for July 1, 2014

Place an "X" in the appropriate box to indicate the sex of the insured.
11b. Other Claim ID Not Required  
11c. Insurance Plan Name or Program Name Not Required  
11d. Is there another Health Benefit Plan? Conditional When appropriate, place an "X" in the correct box. If marked "YES," complete 9, 9a and 9d.
12. Patient's or Authorized Person's Signature Required Enter "Signature on File," "SOF," or legal signature. If there is no signature on file, leave blank or enter "No Signature on File."

Enter the date the claim form was signed.
13. Insured's or Authorized Person's Signature Not Required  
14. Date of Current Illness Injury, or Pregnancy Conditional Complete if information is known. Enter the date of illness, injury or pregnancy (date of the last menstrual period) using two digits for the month, two digits for the date and two digits for the year. Example: 070114 for July 1, 2014

Enter the applicable qualifier to identify which date is being reported.
431 - Onset of Current Symptoms or Illness
484 - Last Menstrual Period
15. Other Date Not Not Required  
16. Date Patient Unable to Work in Current Occupation Not Required  
17. Name of Referring Physician Conditional  
17b. NPI of Referring Physician Required Required in accordance with Program Rule 8.125.8.A
18. Hospitalization Dates Related to Current Service Conditional

Complete for services provided in an inpatient hospital setting. Enter the date of hospital admission and the date of discharge using two digits for the month, two digits for the date and two digits for the year. Example: 070116 for July 1, 2016

If the member is still hospitalized, the discharge date may be omitted. This information is not edited.
19. Additional Claim Information Conditional  
20. Outside Lab?
$ Charges		 Conditional Complete if all laboratory work was referred to and performed by an outside laboratory. If this box is checked, no payment will be made to the physician for lab services. Do not complete this field if any laboratory work was performed in the office.

Practitioners may not request payment for services performed by an independent or hospital laboratory.
21. Diagnosis or Nature of Illness or Injury Required Enter at least one but no more than twelve (12) diagnosis codes based on the member's diagnosis/condition.

Enter applicable ICD-10 indicator.
22. Medicaid Resubmission Code Conditional List the original reference number for resubmitted claims.

When resubmitting a claim, enter the appropriate bill frequency code in the left- hand side of the field.
7 - Replacement of prior claim
8 - Void/Cancel of prior claim
This field is not intended for use for original claim submissions.
23. Prior Authorization Not Required  
24. Claim Line Detail Information The paper claim form allows entry of up to six (6) detailed billing lines. Fields 24A through 24J apply to each billed line.

Do not enter more than six lines of information on the paper claim. If more than six lines of information are entered, the additional lines will not be entered for processing.

Each claim form must be fully completed (totaled).

Do not file continuation claims (e.g., Page 1 of 2).
24A. Dates of Service Required The field accommodates the entry of two dates: a "From" date of services and a "To" date of service. Enter the date of service using two digits for the month, two digits for the date and two digits for the year. Example: 010119 for January 1, 2019
From To
01 01 19            
or
From To
01 01 19 01 01 19
Span dates of service
From To
01 01 19 01 31 19
Practitioner claims must be consecutive days.
Single Date of Service: Enter the six-digit date of service in the "From" field. Completion of the "To" field is not required. Do not spread the date entry across the two fields.

Span billing is permissible if the same service (same procedure code) is provided on consecutive dates.
Supplemental Qualifier
To enter supplemental information, begin at 24A by entering the qualifier and then the information.
ZZ - Narrative description of unspecified code
N4 - National Drug Codes
  • Enter NDC qualifier N4 (left-justified), immediately followed by the 11-digit NDC numeric code
  • Enter one space for separation
  • Enter the appropriate qualifier for the correct dispensing NDC unit of measure (UN - Units, ML - Milliliter, GR - Gram, or F2 - International Unit), immediately followed by the quantity (number of NDC units)
VP - Vendor Product Number
OZ - Product Number
CTR - Contract Rate
JP - Universal/National Tooth Designation
JO - Dentistry Designation System for Tooth and Areas of Oral Cavity
24B. Place of Service Required

Enter the Place of Service (POS) code that describes the location where services were rendered. Health First Colorado accepts the CMS place of service codes.

01 - Pharmacy
03 - School
04 - Homeless Shelter
05 - IHS Free-Standing Facility
06 - Provider-Based Facility
07 - Tribal 638 Free-Standing
08 - Tribal 638 Provider-Based
11 - Office
12 - Home
15 - Mobile Unit
20 - Urgent Care Facility
21 - Inpatient Hospital
22 - Outpatient Hospital
23 - Emergency Room Hospital
24 - Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)
25 - Birthing Center
26 - Military Treatment Center
31 - Skilled Nursing Facility
32 - Nursing Facility
33 - Custodial Care Facility
34 - Hospice
41 - Transportation - Land
42 - Transportation - Air or Water
50 - Federally Qualified Health Center
51 - Inpatient Psychiatric Facility
52 - Psychiatric Facility Partial Hospitalization
53 - Community Mental Health Center
54 - Intermediate Care Facility - MR
55 - Residential Treatment Facility
60 - Mass Immunization Center
61 - Comprehensive Inpatient (IP) Rehab Facility
62 - Comprehensive Outpatient (OP) Rehab Facility
65 - End Stage Renal Dialysis Treatment Facility
71 - State-Local Public Health Clinic
72 - Rural Health Clinic
81 - Independent Lab
99 - Other Unlisted
24C. EMG (Emergency) Conditional Enter a "Y" for YES or leave blank for NO in the bottom, unshaded area of the field to indicate the service is rendered for a life-threatening condition or one that requires immediate medical intervention.

If a "Y" for YES is entered, the service on this detail line is exempt from co-payment requirements.
24D. Procedures, Services or Supplies Required Enter the procedure code that specifically describes the service for which payment is requested.
24D. Required Enter the HCPCS procedure code that specifically describes the service for which payment is requested.

All procedures must be identified with codes in the current edition of Physicians Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). CPT is updated annually.

HCPCS Level II Codes
The current Medicare coding publication (for Medicare crossover claims only).

Only approved codes from the current CPT or HCPCS publications will be accepted.

Telemedicine
For originating provider, use procedure code Q3014.

For distant provider, use procedure code + modifier GT.
24D. Modifier Not Required  
24E. Diagnosis Pointer Required Enter the diagnosis code reference letter (A-L) that relates the date of service and the procedures performed to the primary diagnosis.

At least one diagnosis code reference letter must be entered.

When multiple services are performed, the primary reference letter for each service should be listed first and then other applicable services should follow.

This field allows for the entry of four (4) characters in the unshaded area.
24F. $ Charges Required Enter the usual and customary charge for the service represented by the procedure code on the detail line. Do not use commas when reporting dollar amounts. Enter 00 in the cents area if the amount is a whole number.

Some CPT procedure codes are grouped with other related CPT procedure codes. When more than one procedure from the same group is billed, special multiple pricing rules apply.

The base procedure is the procedure with the highest allowable amount. The base code is used to determine the allowable amounts for additional CPT surgical procedures when more than one procedure from the same grouping is performed.

Submitted charges cannot be more than charges made to non-Health First Colorado covered individuals for the same service.

Do not deduct Health First Colorado co- payment or commercial insurance payments from the usual and customary charges.
24G. Days or Units Required Enter the number of services provided for each procedure code.
Enter whole numbers only. Do not enter fractions or decimals.
24H. EPSDT/Family Plan Conditional EPSDT (shaded area)
For Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment related services, enter the response in the shaded portion of the field as follows:
AV - Available- Not Used
S2 - Under Treatment
ST - New Service Requested
NU - Not Used

Family Planning (unshaded area)
If the service is Family Planning, enter "Y" for YES or "N" for NO in the bottom, unshaded area of the field.
24I. ID Qualifier Not Required  
24J. Rendering Provider ID # Required In the shaded portion of the field, enter the NPI of the Health First Colorado provider number assigned to the individual who actually performed or rendered the billed service. This number cannot be assigned to a group or clinic.
25. Federal Tax ID Number Not Required  
26. Patient's Account Number Optional Enter information that identifies the member or claim in the provider's billing system. Submitted information appears on the Remittance Advice (RA).
27. Accept Assignment? Required The accept assignment indicates that the provider agrees to accept assignment under the terms of the payer's program.
28. Total Charge Required Enter the sum of all charges listed in field 24F. Do not use commas when reporting dollar amounts. Enter 00 in the cents area if the amount is a whole number.
29. Amount Paid Conditional Enter the total amount paid by Medicare or any other commercial health insurance that has made payment on the billed services.

Do not use commas when reporting dollar amounts. Enter 00 in the cents area if the amount is a whole number.
30. Rsvd for NUCC Use    
31. Signature of Physician or Supplier Including Degrees or Credentials Required Each claim must bear the signature of the enrolled provider or the signature of a registered authorized agent.

Each claim must have the date the enrolled provider or registered authorized agent signed the claim form. Enter the date the claim was signed using two digits for the month, two digits for the date and two digits for the year. Example: 070116 for July 1, 2016

Unacceptable signature alternatives:
Claim preparation personnel may not sign the enrolled provider's name.
Initials are not acceptable as a signature.
Typed or computer printed names are not acceptable as a signature.
"Signature on file" notation is not acceptable in place of an authorized signature.
32. Service Facility Location Information
32a- NPI Number
32b- Other ID #		 Required Enter the name, address and ZIP code of the individual or business where the member was seen or service was performed in the following format:
1st Line Name
2nd Line Address
3rd Line City, State and ZIP Code
If the Provider Type is not able to obtain an NPI, enter the eight-digit Health First Colorado provider number of the individual or organization.
33. Billing Provider
Information & Phone Number #		 Required Enter the name of the individual or organization that will receive payment for the billed services in the following format:
1st Line Name
2nd Line Address
3rd Line City, State and ZIP Code
33a- NPI Number Required  
33b- Other ID #   If the Provider Type is not able to obtain an NPI, enter the eight-digit Health First Colorado provider number of the individual or organization.

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CMS 1500 Immunization Claim Example

CMS 1500 Immunization Claim Example

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Timely Filing

For more information on timely filing policy, including the resubmission rules for denied claims, refer to the General Provider Information Manual located on the Billing Manuals web page under the General Provider Information drop-down menu.

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Appendices

Appendix A - Immunization Schedules

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Appendix B - Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

Visit the Vaccines for Children web page for updated information about the VFC Program.

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Immunization Manual Revisions Log

Revision Date Addition/Changes Made by
12/1/2016 Manual revised for interChange implementation. For manual revisions prior to 12/01/2016, please refer to Archive. HPE (now DXC)
12/27/2016 Updates based on Colorado iC Stage II Provider Billing Manuals Comment Log v0_2.xlsx. HPE (now DXC)
1/10/2017 Updates based on Colorado iC Stage Provider Billing Manual Comment Log v0_3.xlsx HPE (now DXC)
1/19/2017 Updates based on Colorado iC Stage Provider Billing Manual Comment Log v0_4.xlsx HPE (now DXC)
1/26/2017 Updates based on Department 1/20/2017 approval email HPE (now DXC)
5/22/2017 Updates based on Fiscal Agent name change from HPE to DXC DXC
2/12/2018 Removed NDC supplemental qualifier - not relevant for immunization providers DXC
6/22/2018 Updated general billing and timely filing HCPF
10/15/2018 Added pharmacy-specific billing information HCPF
12/21/2018 Clarification to signature requirements HCPF
3/18/2019 Clarification to signature requirements HCPF
1/9/2020 Converted to web page HCPF
7/22/2020 Added pharmacy-specific flu vaccine billing information HCPF
9/10/2020 Added Line to Box 32 under the CMS 1500 Paper Claim Reference Table HCPF
12/10/2020 Added 2 codes to pharmacy-specific flu vaccine billing information and added information about COVID-19 vaccines HCPF
1/14/2021 MCO, Nursing Facility and ACF policy edits. Co-pay policy clarification HCPF
2/3/2021 Clarification of FQHC/RHC reimbursement policy for immunizations and added flu code HCPF
2/23/2021 Removed IHS references, clarify need for both product and administration codes, addition of 91303 and 0031A to pharmacy-specific billing information HCPF
6/7/2021 MCO billing clarification for COVID-19 vaccines HCPF
8/16/2021 Added COVID-19 booster codes and update 2021 Synagis info HCPF
9/14/2021 Added 90865 to Pharmacy flu codes HCPF
11/2/2021 Added COVID-19 vaccine codes HCPF
12/8/2021 Added 90677 HCPF
1/12/2022 Added COVID-19 vaccine codes HCPF
1/12/2022 Added Vaccine Counseling HCPF
2/8/2022 Modify Vaccine Counseling HCPF
2/8/2022 Add 90671 to Pharmacy Section HCPF
5/6/2022 Add Routine Adult Vaccines to Pharmacy Section HCPF
6/13/2022 Vaccine Counseling codes & Covid-19 vaccine codes HCPF
7/19/2022 Added COVID-19 Vaccine codes HCPF
7/19/2022 Add 90713, 91304 and 90749 to Pharmacy section HCPF
11/14/2022 Update Monkeypox and COVID-19 vaccine codes. Pharmacy Section HCPF
11/14/2022 Update annual Synagis dates HCPF
11/14/2022 Add COVID-19 Vaccine administration CPT codes HCPF
12/19/2022 Add COVID-19 pediatric booster codes HCPF
3/3/2023 Updated linked to immunization schedules HCPF
3/27/2023 Updated AWS URL Links HCPF
6/9/2023 Updated Covered Services Language HCPF
6/9/2023 Updated COVID-19 Vaccine CPT Codes HCPF
8/24/2023 Add RSV vaccine information HCPF
9/28/2023 Commercial COVID codes and additional RSV and VFC updates, general edits for consistency and style HCPF

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1-800-221-3943 / State Relay: 711

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Improve health care equity, access and outcomes for the people we serve while saving Coloradans money on health care and driving value for Colorado.

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