For purposes of this subpart, the following definitions apply.

Notification of a claim means, for the purposes of part 136, and also 25 U.S.C. 1621s and 1646, the submission of a claim that meets the requirements of 42 CFR 136.24.

(1) Such claims must be submitted within the applicable time frame specified by 42 CFR 136.24, or if applicable, 25 U.S.C. 1646, and include information necessary to determine the relative medical need for the services and the individual's eligibility.

(2) The information submitted with the claim must be sufficient to:

(i) Identify the patient as eligible for IHS services (e.g., name, address, home or referring service unit, Tribal affiliation),

(ii) Identify the medical care provided (e.g., the date(s) of service, description of services), and

(iii) Verify prior authorization by the IHS for services provided (e.g., IHS purchase order number or medical referral form) or exemption from prior authorization (e.g., copies of pertinent clinical information for emergency care that was not prior-authorized).

(3) To be considered sufficient notification of a claim, claims submitted by providers and suppliers for payment must be in a format that complies with the format required for submission of claims under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) or recognized under section 1175 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d-4).

Provider, as used in this subpart only, means a provider of services not governed by or subject to 42 CFR part 136 subpart D, and may include, but not limited to, a skilled nursing facility, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility, home health agency, or hospice program.

Referral means an authorization for medical care by the appropriate ordering official in accordance with 42 CFR part 136 subpart C.

Repricing agent means an entity that offers an IHS, Tribe or Tribal organization, or urban Indian organization (I/T/U) discounted rates from non-I/T/U public and private providers as a result of existing contracts that the non-I/T/U public or private provider may have within the commercial health care industry.

Supplier, as used in this subpart only, means a physician or other practitioner, a facility, or other entity (other than a provider) not already governed by or subject to 42 CFR part 136 subpart D, that furnishes items or services under this Subpart.