Tackling Ever Increasing Claim Denials

1. Tackling Ever Increasing Claim Denials Increasing Claim Denials Recently Kaiser Family Foundation published an analysis on claim denials for various marketplace payers for the year 2020. Under the Affordable Care Act, marketplace payers need to report claims denial data and this analysis used the same data to understand claim denial status. The analysis found that, overall, nearly one out of every five claims submitted for in-network services in 2020 was denied by marketplace payers. However, depending on the payer, average claim denial rates ranged from just 1 percent to 80 percent. Claim denial rates also varied significantly by location, the average claim denial rates were highest in states such as Indiana (29 percent) and Mississippi (29 percent), while rates were just 6 percent in South Dakota and 7 percent in Oregon. Claim Denial Reason Payers denied claims for multiple reasons, among denials for in-network services, about 10 percent of denials were for services that lacked prior authorization or referral, 16 percent were for excluded services, and 2 percent were for medical necessity reasons. The majority of claim denials for in- network services 72 percent, were for ‘other’ reasons. While it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly caused ‘other’ claim denial, these claims might be denied because of administrative or paperwork www.medicalbillersandcoders.com Copyright ©-2021 MBC. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 1

2. errors. This analysis just confirmed ever-increasing claim denials for healthcare providers. This analysis highlighted a whopping 20 percent increase in claim denial rates over the previous five years. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many hospitals to a ‘denials danger zone’ where denial rates were 10 percent or more of claims. Kaiser Family Foundation also pointed out that their latest numbers also spell trouble for consumers, of which very few challenge denials even when they received in-network services. Marketplace payers also upheld initial denials in most cases, according to the analysis. Outsourcing Could be a Solution A thorough knowledge of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system covering the comprehensive health and behavior assessment and intervention of medical services has been pivotal in enabling accurate and refined medical billing on our clients’ behalf. Following list of CPT codes used in coding Behavior Medicine procedures is a valid endorsement of our integrity in compliant coding system: As the analysis mentioned, the top reasons for claim denials were lack of prior authorization, excluded services, medical necessity, and administrative or paperwork errors. All these denial reasons could be avoided with assistance from medical billing companies like MedicalBillersandCoders (MBC). Once we receive patient appointment data, we share eligibility and benefits reports for all planned visits. It helps the practice to understand patient insurance coverage, patient liability, and the need for prior authorizations. Payers keep on modifying the list of services that require prior authorization. As the practice owners are busy in patient care, they may not be able to stay updated on prior authorization requirements. With the benefits report, you will have the exact amount of patient responsibility which you can share prior to the patient visit. As per the No Surprise Act (NSA), you have to share exact estimates with the patient prior to service delivery. With our services, you will have sufficient time to share estimates and educate patients on insurance coverage and their responsibility. It helps in maximum collection of the patient portion before/ at the patient visit. You can also connect with an insurance rep, to understand the medical necessity and documentation requirements. MedicalBillersandCoders (MBC) is a leading revenue cycle company providing complete www.medicalbillersandcoders.com Copyright ©-2021 MBC. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 2

3. medical billing services. We are delivering complete revenue cycle management services to healthcare organizations for more than 15 years now. Our expert medical billing and coding team members, ensure that you receive accurate insurance reimbursement for delivered services. Whether in-network or out-of-network, we provide complete assistance to receive insurance and patient reimbursement. To know more about our medical specialty-specific billing and coding services, contact us at info@medicalbillersandcoders.com / 888-357-3226 Reference: Claims Denials and Appeals in ACA Marketplace Plans in 2020 www.medicalbillersandcoders.com Copyright ©-2021 MBC. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 3