Remark code N228 indicates a claim denial due to an incomplete or invalid consent form submission in the billing process.
Remark code N228 indicates that the claim has been flagged due to an incomplete or invalid consent form. This means that the documentation provided as part of the claim does not meet the necessary requirements or is missing essential information. The healthcare provider must review the consent form associated with the claim, ensure that it is fully completed, and that all required information is valid and accurately documented before resubmitting the claim for payment.
Common causes of code N228 are missing patient signatures, outdated forms, incorrect or incomplete patient information, lack of required witness signatures, or failure to include necessary disclosures or authorizations on the consent form.
Ways to mitigate code N228 include ensuring that all consent forms are thoroughly reviewed for completeness and accuracy before submission. Staff should be trained to verify that each form has been filled out correctly and that all necessary patient information and signatures are present. Implementing a checklist for the consent process can help reduce errors and omissions. Additionally, adopting electronic consent forms with built-in validation rules can prevent the submission of incomplete or invalid documents. Regular audits of consent forms should be conducted to identify and address any recurring issues.
The steps to address code N228 involve a thorough review and update of the patient's consent form. First, retrieve the original document to identify any missing information or signatures. Ensure that all required fields are completed accurately and that the patient or their authorized representative has signed and dated the form where necessary. If the form is outdated or the consent has expired, contact the patient to obtain a new, fully executed consent form. Once the updated consent form is obtained, resubmit the claim with the correct documentation attached. Additionally, implement a process to routinely check consent forms for completeness to prevent future occurrences of this issue.