Remark code M83 indicates a service is not covered unless the patient meets high-risk criteria.
Remark code M83 indicates that the service billed is not eligible for coverage under the patient's health insurance plan unless the patient meets the criteria for being at high risk. This means that for the claim to be paid, the provider must demonstrate that the patient's medical condition or health status qualifies them as high risk according to the guidelines or definitions set by the payer. If the patient is not considered high risk, the service will not be reimbursed by the insurance.
Common causes of code M83 are:
1. The patient's medical history or current health status does not meet the payer's criteria for high-risk classification.
2. There is a lack of proper documentation or evidence in the patient's medical records to support the high-risk status.
3. The healthcare provider may have failed to communicate the patient's high-risk condition through appropriate diagnosis codes or documentation.
4. The service provided may not be considered preventive or necessary for patients who are not classified as high risk by the insurance plan.
5. The claim may have been submitted with incorrect or incomplete information regarding the patient's risk factors.
6. The payer's guidelines for high-risk classification may have recently changed, and the provider's office may not have updated their billing practices accordingly.
7. The service may have been ordered for a patient who was previously considered high risk but whose risk status has changed without the provider's knowledge.
8. There may be an error in the patient's insurance file or a misinterpretation of the patient's health information, leading to an incorrect risk classification.
Ways to mitigate code M83 include implementing a thorough pre-authorization process to ensure that services provided to patients are covered based on their risk classification. Staff should be trained to identify patients who meet the high-risk criteria as defined by the payer. Additionally, maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records can help in substantiating the patient's risk level. Regularly reviewing payer policy updates is also crucial to stay informed about any changes in the definition of 'high risk.' Before scheduling services, it's important to verify coverage and document the patient's high-risk status to support claims and avoid denials associated with code M83.
The steps to address code M83 involve reviewing the patient's medical records to confirm their risk status. If the patient is indeed at high risk, ensure that this is clearly documented in their records. Next, resubmit the claim with the appropriate documentation or a written statement from the provider that justifies the patient's high-risk classification. If the patient is not at high risk, inform the provider about the denial reason, and discuss alternative services or procedures that may be covered. Additionally, consider reaching out to the patient to discuss potential coverage options or the need for a referral to a specialist who can provide the necessary documentation to support their high-risk status for future claims.
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
