The "pecking order" in which you place your diagnoses in Box 21 of the CMS-1500 claim plays a major role in the way insurance companies interpret the severity of your patient's condition and ultimately how much they'll pay. For example, in most states, Medicare will pay your claim ONLY if a primary/subluxation diagnosis (739 or 839 series) is in position number 1 and the short, moderate and long term diagnoses are placed in positions 2 through 4. Why are your claims are being denied? It could be the diagnosis. There are 4 positions in Box 21 of the CMS-1500 claim form. Do you know which get paid the best? Do you know which to avoid? Let this Guidebook provide you with a simple pick and choose format. Make copies of the Guidebook Worksheets that you use the most and give them to your insurance CA's to study. You can also place copies in every treatment room.