Remark code N251 indicates an issue with the claim: the attending provider's taxonomy code is missing, incomplete, or invalid.
Remark code N251 indicates that the claim has been flagged because the taxonomy code for the attending provider is either missing, incomplete, or invalid. This code is essential for identifying the provider's specialty and ensuring proper billing and reimbursement. The healthcare provider must correct this information and resubmit the claim for processing.
Common causes of code N251 are:
1. The attending provider's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is not linked to a taxonomy code in the payer's system.
2. The taxonomy code submitted on the claim does not match the specialty associated with the attending provider's NPI.
3. The claim form lacks the required taxonomy code for the attending provider.
4. Incorrect or outdated taxonomy codes were used due to changes in provider specialty or services rendered.
5. The electronic claim submission did not properly format the taxonomy code, leading to its omission or alteration.
6. Manual entry errors where the taxonomy code was either omitted or entered incorrectly on the claim.
7. The attending provider's information was not updated in the payer's database, resulting in a mismatch or absence of the required taxonomy code.
Ways to mitigate code N251 include implementing a robust provider data verification process within your practice management system. Ensure that all attending provider information, including taxonomy codes, is complete and accurate before submitting claims. Regularly train staff on the importance of capturing this data and establish a routine audit to catch any discrepancies. Utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems that prompt for necessary provider details and taxonomy codes during the documentation process. Additionally, consider integrating your EHR with payer databases to automatically verify provider information against current records.
The steps to address code N251 involve verifying and updating the attending provider's taxonomy information. Begin by reviewing the claim to ensure that the attending provider's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is correctly listed. Next, cross-reference the NPI with the correct taxonomy code that identifies the provider's specialty or subspecialty. This information can typically be found in the provider's profile in your practice management system or by contacting the provider directly. Once you have the correct taxonomy code, update the claim with this information and resubmit it to the payer. It's also advisable to review your process for capturing provider information to prevent similar issues in future claims.
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