Remark code N621 indicates that charges for required forms, reports, or chart notes by jurisdiction are not covered.
Remark code N621 indicates that charges submitted for jurisdiction-required forms, reports, or chart notes are not considered payable under the terms of the patient's insurance policy.
Common causes of code N621 (Charges for Jurisdiction required forms, reports, or chart notes are not payable) are:
1. Submission of claims for forms, reports, or chart notes that are mandated by a specific jurisdiction but are not covered under the patient's insurance policy.
2. Incorrectly billing for documentation or administrative tasks that are considered part of the routine cost of doing business and not separately reimbursable.
3. Failing to identify and exclude jurisdiction-required documentation from the claim before submission, leading to automatic denials based on policy exclusions.
4. Misinterpretation of the insurance contract, assuming that all forms of documentation requested by a jurisdiction would be reimbursable.
5. Lack of proper coding or documentation to justify the medical necessity of the forms, reports, or chart notes beyond the jurisdiction's requirements.
Ways to mitigate code N621 include implementing a comprehensive review process to ensure all required forms, reports, and chart notes are completed accurately and in full compliance with jurisdictional requirements before submission. Training staff on the specific documentation standards and regularly updating them on any changes can also prevent this issue. Utilizing software that automatically checks for completeness and accuracy of these documents can further reduce the likelihood of receiving code N621. Establishing a pre-submission checklist that includes a verification step for jurisdiction-required documents can also be beneficial. Lastly, engaging in regular audits of submitted claims can help identify and rectify any recurring documentation issues that could lead to this code.
The steps to address code N621 involve a multi-faceted approach to ensure compliance and optimize revenue. First, conduct a thorough review of the claim to identify the specific forms, reports, or chart notes that triggered the code. This step is crucial for understanding the root cause and preventing future occurrences.
Next, engage with the billing and coding team to ensure they are aware of the jurisdiction's guidelines regarding non-payable items. This may involve targeted training or updates to coding practices to avoid including charges for non-payable forms, reports, or chart notes in future claims.
Additionally, consider implementing a pre-submission claim review process that specifically checks for compliance with jurisdictional requirements. This can help catch and correct any issues before claims are submitted, reducing the likelihood of receiving code N621.
If the claim has already been submitted and denied with code N621, evaluate if there are other aspects of the care provided that can be billed separately and are not subject to this code. If so, prepare and submit a corrected claim focusing on the payable services provided.
Lastly, maintain open communication with payers to clarify any ambiguities about what is considered a non-payable charge under their guidelines. This proactive approach can help minimize misunderstandings and disputes over jurisdiction-required forms, reports, or chart notes, ultimately leading to more efficient claim processing and reimbursement.
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
