DENIAL CODES

Denial code MA74

Remark code MA74 indicates a replacement payment for a claim due to the original being lost, damaged, or returned.

Accelerate your revenue cycle

Boost patient experience and your bottom line by automating patient cost estimates, payer underpayment detection, and contract optimization in one place.

Get a Demo

What is Denial Code MA74

Remark code MA74 is an alert indicating that the current payment issued for a claim is a replacement for a previous payment that was either lost, damaged, or returned. This code informs the healthcare provider that the new payment is not an additional payment, but rather a reissuance of the original remittance to correct the issue with the initial payment.

Common Causes of RARC MA74

Common causes of code MA74 are typically administrative errors or issues during the payment process. These can include checks that were misplaced by the postal service, payments that were not properly processed by the bank, or checks that were damaged during handling and thus rendered non-negotiable. Additionally, the code may be used if the original payment was mistakenly sent to the wrong provider or if the provider returned the payment due to incorrect payment details, such as an overpayment or payment for a claim that was not theirs. In some cases, the code could also indicate that the original payment was stopped due to suspected fraud or other discrepancies that needed to be investigated before reissuing the payment.

Ways to Mitigate Denial Code MA74

Ways to mitigate code MA74 include implementing a robust tracking system for claim submissions and payments. Ensure that your billing department confirms receipt of claims by payers and follows up on any delayed payments. Regularly reconcile payments received with the corresponding claims to quickly identify discrepancies. Additionally, maintain accurate records of payment transactions and secure storage of checks to prevent them from being lost or damaged. Establish clear protocols for handling payments, including who is responsible for opening mail and depositing checks, to minimize the risk of payments being returned. Training staff on these procedures and conducting periodic audits can help prevent the occurrence of issues that would trigger code MA74.

How to Address Denial Code MA74

The steps to address code MA74 involve a thorough review of your accounts receivable to identify the initial payment and ensure that the replacement payment is applied correctly. Begin by confirming the receipt of the new payment and compare it with the original payment amount. If there is a discrepancy, document it and prepare to adjust the patient's account accordingly.

Next, update the patient's billing record to reflect the replacement payment and make any necessary adjustments to reconcile the account. It's also important to communicate with the payer if there are any issues or questions regarding the replacement payment.

Finally, ensure that your internal financial records are updated to accurately reflect the received payment to maintain a correct and up-to-date financial status for reporting and auditing purposes.

CARCs Associated to RARC MA74

Get paid in full by bringing clarity to your revenue cycle

Full Page Background