| CMS Updates Guidance for Vaccine Coding on SNF Claims | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CMS-Updates-Guidance-for-Vaccine-Coding-on-SNF-Claims.aspx | CMS Updates Guidance for Vaccine Coding on SNF Claims | | | | | 4/27/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided <a href="https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/mln-connects-newsletter-april-23-2026#_Toc227750283" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">updated guidance</a> for institutional providers for coding claims for vaccine administration when the vaccination is the only service billed on the claim. </div><div><br></div><div>The effective date is for claims with a date of service beginning April 13, 2026. </div><div><br></div><div>Below is the modified CMS guidance. The new coding requirements are in the bold and italicized text: </div><div><br></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border-width:medium;border-style:none;border-color:currentcolor;padding:0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">The following diagnosis code must be reported. If the sole purpose for the visit is to receive a vaccine or if a vaccine is the only service billed on a claim, the applicable following diagnosis code may be used. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code = Z23 -- Description - Encounter for Immunization </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">NOTE: ICD-10-CM diagnosis code Z23 is to be used for all encounters for preventive vaccine immunizations, including COVID-19 immunizations. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><strong><em>The following condition code must be reported on institutional claims when diagnosis code Z23 is required for a vaccination. </em></strong></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><strong><em>Condition Code = A6 -- Description - Vaccine / Medicare 100% Payment </em></strong></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">All claims must have the appropriate diagnosis code, procedure, and admin code to process correctly. </div></blockquote><div><br></div><div>See the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/r13677cp.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">instruction to your Medicare Administrative Contractor (PDF)</a>. </div><div><br></div><div>Additional vaccine billing guidance can be found at the AHCA/NCAL <a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">#GetVaccinated</a> resources page.<br></div><p><br><br></p> | CMS has provided updated guidance for institutional providers for coding claims for vaccine administration when the vaccination is the only service billed on the claim.
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| CMS Updates Vaccine Roster Billing Guidance | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CMS-Updates-Vaccine-Roster-Billing-Guidance.aspx | CMS Updates Vaccine Roster Billing Guidance | | | | | 2/2/2026 5:00:00 AM | | <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated the MLN Booklet titled </span><a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/837i-form-cms-1450-mln006926.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Medicare Billing: CMS 1450 & 837I</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">. The updated guidance has added COVID-19 vaccinations to its Roster Billing options. More information about roster billing can be found on the</span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> </span><a href="https://www.cms.gov/roster-billing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">CMS website</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">. Additional vaccine billing guidance resources can be found on the AHCA/NCAL </span><a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">#GetVaccinated</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> page under the Billing and Reimbursement resources tab.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><br> | | |
| New #GetVaccinated Resources Now Available: Video Series on Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-GetVaccinated-Resources-Now-Available-Video-Series-on-Addressing-Vaccine-Hesitancy.aspx | New #GetVaccinated Resources Now Available: Video Series on Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy | | | | | 1/5/2026 5:00:00 AM | | The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is excited to announce the release of new <a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">#GetVaccinated</a> resources: a 4-part video series designed to support meaningful, effective conversations about vaccines across long term and post-acute care settings.<br><br>This new video series focuses on using motivational interviewing techniques to address vaccine questions, concerns, and hesitancy among residents, staff, and family members. Motivational interviewing is a proven, person-centered communication approach that emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration, helping caregivers meet people where they are and guide conversations toward informed decision-making.<br><br>The videos walk through real-world scenarios commonly faced by long term care providers and demonstrate practical, respectful ways to respond.<br><br><strong>What's Included in the Video Series:</strong><div><br><ul><li><a href="https://youtu.be/wv2WDvvm-Kc" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Addressing Misinformation on the COVID Vaccine</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/Dl_H41YDh68?si=H8weg9S1uanFCveM" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Addressing Risks and Benefits of the COVID Vaccine</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/8WY7WNkMpgI?si=bloONtOkx987SHYq" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Addressing Flu Vaccine Hesitancy with Residents' Family Members</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/6f2Mbjq7E3g?si=3z8O1Fbo3bj0TsTR" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy with Multiple Vaccines</strong></a><br></li></ul><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:11pt;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:11pt;">Each video is accompanied by a facilitator guide designed to ensure that any staff member can watch the video, review the guide, and feel confident using motivational interviewing techniques in real-world conversations. Each guide includes:<br></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:11pt;"><br></div><ul><li>Core principles of motivational interviewing</li><li>Discussion tips</li><li>Key talking points</li><li>Additional resources</li><li>Facilitator reflection<br></li></ul><div><br></div>Together, these new #GetVaccinated resources equip providers with practical tools to strengthen vaccine conversations -- fostering trust, reducing misinformation, and supporting the health of residents, staff, and families.<br><br>The #GetVaccinated campaign, supported by Moderna, provides long term care providers with year-round tools to protect their communities. Visit <a href="http://www.getvaccinated.us/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">GetVaccinated.us</a> to explore the full library of resources and access the new video series.<br></div> | | |
| New #GetVaccinated Resources: Understanding mRNA Vaccines | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-GetVaccinated-Resources-Understanding-mRNA-Vaccines.aspx | New #GetVaccinated Resources: Understanding mRNA Vaccines | | | | | 11/11/2025 5:00:00 AM | | <div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has released two new resources to help long term care staff better understand mRNA vaccines and confidently address questions about them. These materials support the #GetVaccinated campaign for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season.<br></div><div> </div><a href="/Quality/Documents/GetVaccinated/How%20do%20mRNA%20Vaccines%20Work.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;"><div><strong>How Do mRNA Vaccines Work</strong></div></a><div>This resource explains—in simple, easy-to-understand terms—how mRNA vaccines help the body build immunity. It includes a clear analogy to make the science relatable, along with a helpful FAQ section that dispels many common misconceptions.</div><div> <br></div><div style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="/Quality/Documents/GetVaccinated/mRNA%20vaccines%20and%20you.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>mRNA Vaccines and You</strong></a></div><div>This guide outlines what mRNA vaccines are, their typical and rare side effects, and how vaccination protects both staff and residents from severe illness and hospitalization. A “Myths vs. Facts” section tackles misinformation directly to help individuals make informed decisions.</div><div> </div><div>We encourage providers to download and share these materials with your teams as part of ongoing vaccination discussions and education efforts.</div><div> </div><div>The #GetVaccinated campaign, supported by Moderna, equips long term care providers with trusted, easy-to-use tools to protect their communities year-round.</div><div><br></div><div>Visit <a href="https://getvaccinated.us/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>GetVaccinated.us</strong></a> to explore these resources and strengthen your vaccination efforts today.<br></div><p></p> | AHCA/NCAL has released two new resources to help long term care staff better understand mRNA vaccines and confidently address questions about them. | |