what is the purpose of claim form

The Form HCFA-1500 answers the needs of many health insurers. It is the basic form prescribed by HCFA for the Medicare program for claims from physicians and suppliers, except for ambulance services. It has also been adopted by the Office of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (OCHAMPUS) and has received the approval of the American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Medical Services.


Use these instructions for completing this form. The Form HCFA-1500 has space for physicians and suppliers to provide information on other health insurance. Use this information to determine whether the Medicare patient has other coverage which must be billed prior to Medicare payment, or whether there is a Medigap policy under which payments are made to a participating physician or supplier.