Remark code MA65 indicates a claim issue due to a missing, incomplete, or invalid admitting diagnosis, requiring correction.
Remark code MA65 indicates that the claim has been flagged due to a missing, incomplete, or invalid admitting diagnosis. This means that the information provided regarding the patient's diagnosis at the time of admission is either not present, not fully detailed, or does not meet the required standards or formats for processing. To resolve this issue, the healthcare provider must review the claim, correct the diagnosis information, and resubmit it for reimbursement.
Common causes of code MA65 are:
- Data Entry Errors: Incorrect or transposed numbers and letters when entering the admitting diagnosis can lead to this code.
- Incomplete Documentation: If the admitting diagnosis is not fully documented in the patient's medical records at the time of admission, this can result in an MA65 code.
- Outdated or Incorrect Coding: Use of an outdated ICD code or a diagnosis code that does not match current medical coding standards can trigger this code.
- Software or Electronic Health Record (EHR) Issues: Technical glitches or mismatches between the EHR system and the billing software may cause the admitting diagnosis to be missing or incorrect.
- Lack of Specificity: A diagnosis that is too vague or general may not meet the specificity requirements of the payer, leading to an MA65 code.
- Timing of Diagnosis Entry: If the admitting diagnosis is entered after the claim has been processed, it can result in this code.
- Provider Oversight: The healthcare provider may forget to include the admitting diagnosis when documenting the patient's condition upon admission.
- Payer-Specific Requirements: Different payers may have unique requirements for admitting diagnosis information, and failure to comply with these can cause an MA65 code to be issued.
Ways to mitigate code MA65 include implementing a robust pre-claim review process to ensure that the admitting diagnosis is accurately captured and documented in the patient's medical records. Training staff on the importance of thorough chart reviews and the specific requirements for admitting diagnosis documentation can also help reduce instances of this code. Utilizing electronic health record (EHR) systems with built-in prompts or alerts for missing or incomplete diagnosis information can serve as an additional safeguard. Regular audits of claims prior to submission can catch and correct errors related to the admitting diagnosis, thus preventing the occurrence of code MA65.
The steps to address code MA65 involve a thorough review of the patient's medical records to ensure that the admitting diagnosis is accurately documented. Begin by verifying the patient's chart and any electronic health records (EHR) for the initial diagnosis at the time of admission. If the diagnosis is missing or incomplete, consult with the attending physician or the medical staff who were responsible for the patient's care at admission to obtain the necessary information.
Once the correct admitting diagnosis is identified, update the claim with the complete and accurate diagnosis codes, ensuring they are entered in the appropriate fields. It's important to use the most current ICD coding guidelines to avoid any further issues with code specificity.
After updating the claim, resubmit it to the payer as soon as possible. Keep a record of the changes made and any communication with medical staff for reference in case of future discrepancies or audits. Additionally, consider implementing a process for regular audits of admission documentation to prevent similar issues from occurring 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
