Article Detail - JE Part A

Providers can easily locate their RECLASS and Provider Type information using the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule files published by CMS. The example below uses the FY 2026 IPPS Final Rule, but the same steps apply to Final Rules from FY 2021 through FY 2026, all of which are available on the CMS website.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download the ZIP File
   • Visit the CMS IPPS Final Rule page
   • Click on the most recent finalized and applicable rule:
     • Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS)
     • Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS)
   • For the most up-to-date files, refer to the top of the page.
   • For historical files, use the navigation menu on the left-hand side.
   • Click on "Final Rule Data Files - Impact File and Supporting Data Files" for the most current finalized fiscal year.
   • Select the "Final Rule Impact File (ZIP)" link to download.
2. Open the Impact File Spreadsheet
   • Extract the ZIP file.
   • Open the Excel file and locate the tabs labeled "Variable Descriptions" and "Final" (e.g., "FY 2026 Final").
3. Understand the Columns
   • In the "Variable Descriptions" tab, find the definitions for RECLASS and Provider Type.
   • These definitions explain what each code value represents.
4. Look Up Your Provider
   • Switch to the "FY FR" tab.
   • Use the search or filter function to find your provider by number.
   • Once located, check:
     • Column K for RECLASS
     • Column AI for Provider Type
5. Interpret the Values
   • Refer back to the "Variable Descriptions" tab to understand what the codes in Columns K and AI mean for your provider.

Reminder: Always refer directly to the CMS website for the most current and finalized data.

Additional Clarification

It has been verified by the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board (MGCRB) that providers may use either the most recent impact file information available on the CMS website or documentation from the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) to support their classification status.