Remark code MA47 indicates a provider opted out of Medicare, agreeing not to bill for services. Thus, Medicare won't pay this claim; the patient must cover costs.
Remark code MA47 indicates that the provider has an opt-out agreement with Medicare, where they have decided not to bill Medicare for the services, tests, or supplies provided. Consequently, Medicare will not process payment for this claim, and the financial responsibility for the costs incurred falls to the patient.
Common causes of code MA47 are typically related to a provider's decision to opt out of Medicare. This can occur when a provider has entered into a private contract with a Medicare beneficiary, agreeing not to bill Medicare for services, tests, or supplies provided. The causes may include:
1. A deliberate choice by the provider to opt out of Medicare to have more control over service fees and avoid the administrative burden associated with Medicare billing and reimbursement.
2. A misunderstanding or lack of awareness by the provider regarding the implications of opting out of Medicare, leading to unexpected claim denials.
3. An administrative error where the provider's opt-out status is incorrectly recorded or not updated in the Medicare system, resulting in denied claims even if the provider intended to participate in Medicare.
4. Failure to notify Medicare of a change in opt-out status, which should be done at least 30 days before the start of the next opt-out period.
5. Incorrect billing practices, such as submitting claims for a Medicare beneficiary by a provider who has opted out without realizing that the claim will not be paid by Medicare.
In all these cases, the responsibility for payment shifts to the patient, as the provider has agreed not to bill Medicare for the services provided.
Ways to mitigate code MA47 include ensuring that your billing staff is aware of the opt-out status of all providers within your practice. Regularly update and verify the opt-out list to prevent accidental billing to Medicare for services provided by opted-out physicians. Additionally, implement a system to flag opted-out providers in your electronic health record (EHR) and practice management system to alert staff during the scheduling and billing processes. Educate patients about the implications of receiving services from an opted-out provider, including their financial responsibility, and obtain signed agreements acknowledging this understanding. Lastly, conduct routine audits to ensure compliance with opt-out procedures and correct any discrepancies promptly.
The steps to address code MA47 involve several actions to ensure proper billing and patient communication. First, review the patient's records to confirm the opt-out status and the agreement with the patient. If the opt-out status is accurate, update the billing system to prevent future Medicare billing for this patient.
Next, inform the patient of their financial responsibility for the services provided, as Medicare will not cover the costs. Provide the patient with a detailed bill and any necessary documentation regarding the opt-out agreement.
If the opt-out status is incorrect, gather the necessary documentation to prove that the patient has not opted out of Medicare and resubmit the claim with the correct information.
Additionally, educate the billing staff on the implications of Medicare opt-out to prevent similar issues in the future.
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
