DENIAL CODES

Denial code 207

Denial code 207 is for an invalid format of the National Provider Identifier (NPI).

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 207

Denial code 207 is related to the National Provider Identifier (NPI) and indicates that the NPI provided in the claim submission has an invalid format. The NPI is a unique identification number assigned to healthcare providers, and it must adhere to a specific format for it to be considered valid. In this case, the format of the NPI provided in the claim does not meet the required criteria, leading to the denial of the claim.

Common Causes of CARC 207

Common causes of code 207 are:

1. Incorrectly formatted National Provider Identifier (NPI): One of the most common causes of code 207 is an NPI that is not formatted correctly. This could include missing digits, using alphabetic characters instead of numbers, or including special characters that are not allowed.

2. Missing or incomplete NPI: Another common cause is when the NPI is missing or incomplete. This could happen if the healthcare provider forgot to include their NPI on the claim form or if they only provided a partial NPI.

3. Outdated or expired NPI: If the NPI provided by the healthcare provider is outdated or has expired, it can result in code 207. It is important for healthcare providers to regularly update their NPI information to ensure accurate billing and avoid denials.

4. NPI not registered with the appropriate authority: In some cases, the NPI provided by the healthcare provider may not be registered with the appropriate authority. This could be due to a clerical error or oversight during the registration process.

5. NPI not associated with the correct provider: Code 207 can also occur if the NPI provided does not match the healthcare provider listed on the claim. This could happen if there was a mix-up in the billing process or if the wrong NPI was entered.

6. NPI not recognized by the payer: Some payers may have specific requirements or restrictions when it comes to NPIs. If the NPI provided by the healthcare provider is not recognized or accepted by the payer, it can result in code 207.

It is important for healthcare providers to review and double-check their NPI information before submitting claims to avoid denials with code 207. Regularly updating and verifying NPI information can help ensure accurate billing and smoother revenue cycle management.

Ways to Mitigate Denial Code 207

Ways to mitigate code 207 (National Provider identifier - Invalid format) include:

1. Ensure accurate data entry: Double-check the National Provider Identifier (NPI) entered into the system to ensure it is in the correct format. The NPI should consist of ten digits without any spaces or special characters.

2. Implement validation checks: Incorporate automated validation checks within your billing software to verify the format of the NPI before submitting claims. This will help catch any errors or inconsistencies in real-time.

3. Provide staff training: Educate your billing and coding staff on the correct format of the NPI and the importance of accurately entering this information. Regular training sessions can help reinforce the proper procedures and reduce the likelihood of errors.

4. Utilize electronic data interchange (EDI): Implementing EDI can streamline the claims submission process and reduce the chances of manual errors. EDI systems often have built-in validation checks that can catch formatting issues before claims are sent.

5. Regularly update provider information: Stay up-to-date with any changes in your provider's NPI. This includes verifying the NPI with the provider and updating your records accordingly. Outdated or incorrect NPIs can lead to denials with code 207.

6. Conduct internal audits: Regularly review your claims data to identify any patterns or recurring errors related to code 207. This will help you pinpoint any underlying issues and take corrective actions to prevent future denials.

7. Collaborate with payers: Establish open lines of communication with your payers to understand their specific requirements for NPI formatting. This can help you align your processes with their expectations and minimize denials related to code 207.

By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can reduce the occurrence of code 207 denials and improve their revenue cycle management processes.

How to Address Denial Code 207

The steps to address code 207, which indicates an invalid format for the National Provider Identifier (NPI), are as follows:

  1. Verify the NPI: Double-check the NPI entered in the claim to ensure it is accurate and in the correct format. The NPI should consist of ten digits, with no dashes or spaces.
  2. Update the NPI: If the NPI is indeed invalid, update it with the correct information. Obtain the correct NPI from the provider or the NPI registry maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
  3. Review documentation: Ensure that the NPI used belongs to the correct provider and matches the information provided in the claim. Cross-reference the NPI with other relevant documents, such as the provider's enrollment records or contracts.
  4. Communicate with the provider: If the NPI is incorrect or missing, reach out to the provider to obtain the correct NPI. This may involve contacting the provider's office directly or utilizing any established communication channels.
  5. Resubmit the claim: Once the NPI has been corrected or updated, resubmit the claim with the accurate information. Ensure that all other relevant details in the claim are correct as well.
  6. Monitor future claims: To prevent future occurrences of code 207, establish a process to validate the NPI before submitting claims. This can include implementing automated checks or utilizing software solutions that validate NPIs in real-time.

By following these steps, healthcare providers can effectively address code 207 and ensure that claims are processed accurately and efficiently.

RARCs Associated to CARC 207

Get paid in full by bringing clarity to your revenue cycle

Full Page Background