Remark code N791 is an alert indicating a claim was denied due to the absence of a required history and physical report.
Remark code N791 indicates that the claim has been processed but cannot be paid or finalized because it lacks the necessary documentation of a history and physical report. This means that for the claim to proceed, the healthcare provider must submit the missing report detailing the patient's medical history and the results of their physical examination.
Common causes of code N791 are incomplete patient documentation at the time of billing, failure to include the history and physical report in the patient's medical record before submission, and clerical errors in attaching or coding the history and physical report within the patient's file.
Ways to mitigate code N791 include implementing a comprehensive checklist for all required documentation before claim submission. Ensure that the history and physical report is part of the patient's file and is easily accessible. Utilize electronic health records (EHR) systems that flag incomplete patient files or missing documents. Regularly train staff on the importance of thorough documentation and conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with documentation requirements. Establish a protocol for pre-claim submission review to catch and rectify any missing information, including the history and physical report.
The steps to address code N791 involve a multi-faceted approach to ensure the missing history and physical report is located and submitted promptly to avoid delays in claim processing. First, initiate an internal audit within your healthcare facility to track down the missing document. This may involve checking the patient's electronic health record (EHR) for any digital copies or contacting the department or healthcare professional responsible for conducting the history and physical examination to see if the report can be located or needs to be recreated.
Next, if the report is found, verify that it meets the necessary criteria for submission, including completeness and accuracy. Ensure that it is properly signed and dated by the healthcare provider who performed the examination. If the report needs to be recreated, promptly arrange for the patient to undergo a new history and physical examination, if feasible, or work with the healthcare provider to reconstruct the report from existing medical records and notes.
Once the report is ready and meets all requirements, submit it to the payer along with a cover letter explaining the reason for the delay and any steps taken to rectify the issue. This should be done as quickly as possible to minimize any further delays in claim processing.
Additionally, implement a system of checks and balances within your healthcare facility to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. This could include routine audits of patient files prior to submission to ensure all necessary documentation is included and implementing a more robust electronic tracking system that flags missing documents in real-time.
Lastly, consider training or re-training staff on the importance of thorough and timely documentation and the potential financial implications of missing or incomplete records. This can help foster a culture of accountability and diligence in record-keeping, which is essential for efficient revenue cycle management.
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