Remark code M102 indicates a service was denied because it wasn't performed on FDA-approved equipment for the intended use.
Remark code M102 indicates that the service billed was not performed using equipment that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the specific purpose for which the treatment or procedure was intended. This could impact the reimbursement process, as payers may deny claims that do not adhere to FDA guidelines for medical equipment usage. Healthcare providers should ensure that the equipment used for services is FDA-approved to avoid claim denials associated with this remark code.
Common causes of code M102 are:
1. The use of medical equipment that has not received FDA clearance or approval for the specific procedure or service billed.
2. Incorrect coding or billing for a service that implies the use of FDA-approved equipment when such equipment was not actually utilized.
3. Documentation errors where the medical records fail to adequately demonstrate that the service was performed with FDA-approved equipment.
4. Misinterpretation of FDA approval status for the equipment used during the procedure by the billing staff.
5. Systematic errors in the billing software that automatically append code M102 due to incorrect setup or outdated information regarding FDA-approved equipment.
6. The provider may have recently switched to new equipment that is not yet recognized as FDA-approved and failed to update billing practices accordingly.
7. A mismatch between the billed service code and the equipment code, leading to an assumption that non-approved equipment was used.
Ways to mitigate code M102 include ensuring that all services are performed using FDA-approved equipment for the specific procedure or treatment being provided. This can be achieved by:
- Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all equipment and verifying their FDA approval status for the intended use.
- Training staff to recognize and understand the importance of using only FDA-approved devices for certain medical services.
- Implementing a verification process before scheduling procedures to ensure the correct, approved equipment is available and functional.
- Establishing a protocol for regular review and cross-referencing of current FDA approvals against the equipment used in your facility.
- Integrating a checklist into the patient care workflow that requires confirmation of FDA-approved equipment prior to service delivery.
- Keeping abreast of any updates or changes in FDA approvals and communicating these changes promptly to all relevant staff members.
- Documenting the use of FDA-approved equipment in the patient's medical record as part of the procedure notes, which can serve as evidence in case of audits or disputes.
The steps to address code M102 involve verifying the equipment used for the service. First, review the medical records to confirm the equipment details. If the correct FDA-approved equipment was indeed used, gather the necessary documentation that supports this, such as equipment logs, purchase records, or FDA approval certificates. Next, submit an appeal to the payer with this documentation attached, along with a detailed explanation of the service provided and the equipment used. If the wrong equipment was used, consult with the clinical team to understand why and determine the appropriate next steps, which may include re-servicing the patient with the correct equipment if clinically indicated. Ensure that staff is educated on the importance of using FDA-approved equipment for specific services to prevent future occurrences of this code.
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