Maryland § 1-208

§ 1-208.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    (i)    Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, “health care practitioner” means a physician or any other person licensed or certified under this article and reimbursed by a third party payor.

            (ii)    Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, “health care practitioner” does not include a physician or other person licensed or certified under this article who is compensated by a health maintenance organization on a salaried or capitated basis.

            (iii)    The exclusion provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph applies only when the physician or other licensed or certified person is rendering care to a member or subscriber of the health maintenance organization on a salaried or capitated system basis.

        (3)    “Third party payor” means any person that administers or provides reimbursement for health care benefits on an expense incurred basis including:

            (i)    A health maintenance organization issued a certificate of authority in accordance with Title 19, Subtitle 7 of the Health – General Article;

            (ii)    A health insurer or nonprofit health service plan authorized to offer health insurance policies or contracts in this State in accordance with the Insurance Article; or

            (iii)    A third party administrator registered under the Insurance Article.

        (4)    “Uniform claims form” means the claim or billing form for reimbursement of services rendered by a health care practitioner adopted by the Insurance Commissioner under § 15–1003 of the Insurance Article.

    (b)    When submitting a claim or bill for reimbursement to a third party payor, a health care practitioner shall use the uniform claims form.

    (c)    The uniform claims form submitted under this section:

        (1)    Shall be properly completed; and

        (2)    May be submitted by electronic transfer.

    (d)    The Secretary may impose a penalty not to exceed $100 on any health care practitioner that violates the provisions of this section.