DENIAL CODES

Denial code 155

Denial code 155 is when the patient refuses the service or procedure.

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 155

Denial code 155 is used when the patient refuses to receive a specific service or procedure. This means that the healthcare provider attempted to provide the service or procedure, but the patient declined to receive it. As a result, the claim for reimbursement is denied.

Common Causes of CARC 155

Common causes of code 155 are:

  1. Patient refusal: The patient may have declined to undergo the recommended service or procedure, leading to the denial of the claim.
  2. Lack of medical necessity: The service or procedure may not have been deemed medically necessary by the payer, resulting in the denial of the claim.
  3. Inadequate documentation: The healthcare provider may have failed to provide sufficient documentation to support the medical necessity of the service or procedure, leading to the denial.
  4. Incorrect coding: There may have been errors in coding, such as using the wrong CPT code or failing to include necessary modifiers, resulting in the denial of the claim.
  5. Pre-authorization requirement not met: The payer may have required pre-authorization for the service or procedure, and if this requirement was not fulfilled, the claim could be denied.
  6. Time limit exceeded: Some payers have specific time limits within which claims must be submitted. If the claim was not submitted within the specified timeframe, it may be denied.
  7. Non-covered service: The service or procedure may not be covered under the patient's insurance plan, leading to the denial of the claim.
  8. Duplicate claim: If a claim for the same service or procedure has already been submitted and processed, submitting a duplicate claim can result in denial.
  9. Coordination of benefits (COB) issues: If the patient has multiple insurance plans, there may be coordination of benefits issues that need to be resolved. Failure to address these issues can lead to claim denial.
  10. Billing errors: Various billing errors, such as incorrect patient information, missing or incorrect provider information, or incomplete claim forms, can result in claim denial.

Ways to Mitigate Denial Code 155

Ways to mitigate code 155 include:

  1. Clear communication: Ensure that patients fully understand the importance and benefits of the recommended service or procedure. Educate them about the potential risks of refusing the service and address any concerns or misconceptions they may have.
  2. Patient engagement: Actively involve patients in their healthcare decisions by encouraging open dialogue and shared decision-making. This can be achieved through patient education materials, interactive tools, and discussions with healthcare providers.
  3. Documentation accuracy: Accurate and detailed documentation is crucial to prevent code 155 denials. Ensure that all conversations, discussions, and attempts to persuade the patient to accept the service are properly documented in the patient's medical record.
  4. Counseling and support: Offer counseling services to patients who are hesitant or refuse a recommended service or procedure. This can help address underlying fears or anxieties and provide additional information to help them make an informed decision.
  5. Alternative options: Explore alternative options or treatments that may be more acceptable to the patient. Discuss potential alternatives with the patient and their healthcare team to find a solution that aligns with the patient's preferences and meets their healthcare needs.
  6. Follow-up communication: Maintain ongoing communication with patients who refuse a service or procedure. Regularly check in with them to address any concerns or changes in their decision. This can help identify opportunities to revisit the recommendation and potentially prevent a denial.
  7. Patient satisfaction surveys: Implement patient satisfaction surveys to gather feedback on the patient's experience and satisfaction with the healthcare services provided. This can help identify areas for improvement and address any issues that may contribute to patients refusing services.
  8. Staff training: Provide comprehensive training to healthcare staff on effective communication techniques, patient engagement strategies, and the importance of accurate documentation. Well-trained staff can better address patient concerns and increase the likelihood of patients accepting recommended services.

By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can mitigate code 155 denials and improve patient acceptance of recommended services or procedures.

How to Address Denial Code 155

The steps to address code 155 (Patient refused the service/procedure) are as follows:

  1. Review the patient's medical records: Carefully examine the patient's medical records to ensure that the refusal was documented accurately. Look for any notes or signatures indicating that the patient was informed about the risks and benefits of the recommended service or procedure.
  2. Verify the consent process: Double-check the consent process to ensure that it was properly followed. Confirm that the patient was provided with all necessary information, including alternative treatment options, potential complications, and expected outcomes.
  3. Communicate with the patient: Reach out to the patient to understand the reason behind their refusal. It is essential to have an open and non-judgmental conversation to address any concerns or misconceptions they may have. This step can help identify any misunderstandings or potential solutions.
  4. Document the conversation: Document the details of the conversation with the patient, including their reasons for refusal and any additional information provided. This documentation will be crucial for future reference and potential appeals.
  5. Evaluate the billing and coding process: Review the billing and coding process to ensure that the service or procedure was correctly coded and billed. Check for any potential errors or discrepancies that may have contributed to the denial.
  6. Appeal if necessary: If you believe that the denial was unjustified or there was an error in the coding or billing process, consider filing an appeal. Provide all relevant documentation, including the patient's refusal documentation, to support your case.
  7. Educate staff and providers: Use the denial as an opportunity to educate your staff and providers about the importance of proper documentation and patient communication. Reinforce the need for accurate and thorough documentation to avoid similar denials in the future.

By following these steps, healthcare providers can effectively address code 155 and work towards resolving the denial while ensuring proper patient care and communication.

RARCs Associated to CARC 155

Get paid in full by bringing clarity to your revenue cycle

Full Page Background