Remark code N217 indicates that reimbursement is limited to one service location per provider for each claim submitted.
Remark code N217 indicates that reimbursement is limited to one site of service per provider for each claim submitted. This means that if a provider has rendered services at multiple locations, payment will only be made for services at one location, as per the payer's policy outlined in the claim adjudication process.
Common causes of code N217 are:
1. Multiple services billed on the same claim for different locations.
2. Submission of separate claims for different sites of service when services should be consolidated into a single claim.
3. Incorrectly indicating different sites of service for procedures that were performed at the same location.
4. Provider billing errors where site of service is duplicated or erroneously reported.
5. System errors within the billing software that may automatically assign different sites of service.
6. Misinterpretation of the payer's site of service policy leading to improper claim submission.
Ways to mitigate code N217 include ensuring that each claim submitted lists only one site of service per provider. To prevent this denial, verify the accuracy of the place of service codes before claim submission. Additionally, if multiple services are provided at different locations on the same date, consider consolidating the services under one site if appropriate or submitting separate claims for each location with clear documentation supporting the medical necessity for the different sites of service. Regularly review your billing practices to ensure compliance with payer guidelines regarding site of service reporting. Implementing a robust claim scrubbing process that flags potential errors can also help catch discrepancies before claims are submitted to the payer.
The steps to address code N217 involve reviewing the claim to ensure that multiple sites of service were not erroneously billed under the same provider for the same date of service. If the claim was submitted correctly with different sites of service that should be reimbursed separately, gather supporting documentation that justifies the separate charges. This may include medical records, operative reports, or a clear explanation of the distinct services provided at each location. Once the necessary information is compiled, resubmit the claim with a detailed cover letter and the supporting documentation to clarify why the separate sites of service are warranted for payment. If the claim was submitted incorrectly, correct the billing error by adjusting the claim to reflect only one site of service per provider per date of service, and then resubmit the claim for processing.
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