The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted to its web site the final text for two forms hospitals must use effective July 2nd to notify Medicare beneficiaries about their discharge appeal rights. In addition to the "Important Message from Medicare" and "Detailed Notice of Discharge" forms, the Web site includes sections from the claims processing manual that contain detailed instructions for using the forms.

For further information, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/BNI/12_HospitalDischargeAppealNotices.asp.