Remark code M84 indicates that billing must use medical codes valid on the service date for claims acceptance.
Remark code M84 indicates that the medical coding utilized on the claim must correspond to the code sets that were officially valid and in use on the date the healthcare service was provided. This means that if a claim is submitted with outdated or incorrect codes that do not match the code set in effect at the time of service, it may be rejected or denied, necessitating a review and correction of the coding to reflect the appropriate standards for that service date.
Common causes of code M84 are:
1. The use of outdated or expired medical code sets at the time of billing or claim submission.
2. Inaccurate or delayed updating of billing systems to reflect the most current code sets.
3. Human error in selecting codes from previous years' code sets when coding services or procedures.
4. Miscommunication between healthcare providers and coding staff regarding the date of service, leading to the use of incorrect code sets.
5. Failure to adhere to the annual updates in coding guidelines and code sets, such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS updates.
6. Software or electronic health record (EHR) system glitches that default to outdated code sets.
7. Lack of proper training or updates for coding staff on the latest code sets and effective dates.
8. Inadequate audit processes to catch and correct the use of outdated codes before claim submission.
Ways to mitigate code M84 include ensuring that your billing team is consistently updated on the latest coding guidelines and revisions. Implement a robust coding education program that includes regular training on updates to the ICD, CPT, and HCPCS code sets. Utilize coding software that automatically updates to reflect the most current codes. Establish a system of checks and balances where coding is reviewed and verified for accuracy before claims are submitted. Engage in periodic audits to ensure compliance with the most recent coding standards. Additionally, maintain open communication with payers to confirm that the codes you are using align with their current requirements.
The steps to address code M84 involve verifying the date of service and ensuring that the medical codes used on the claim match the code set that was valid on that date. If the codes were incorrect, update the claim with the appropriate codes from the correct date's code set and resubmit the claim. If the codes were initially correct, provide documentation to the payer to substantiate the codes' validity for the date of service in question. Regularly update coding resources and staff training to prevent future occurrences of this issue.
Get paid in full by bringing clarity to your revenue cycle
Subscribe to the
Healthcare Clarified newsletter
Get the latest insights on RCM and healthcare policy in your inbox
