Remark code N271 indicates an issue with a secondary provider's identifier, such as missing or invalid details, requiring correction.
Remark code N271 indicates that there is an issue with the secondary identifier for another provider involved in the care or billing process. This could mean that the necessary secondary identifier is missing, incomplete, or has been deemed invalid during the claims processing stage. To resolve this, the healthcare provider must provide the correct and complete secondary identifier information for the other provider.
Common causes of code N271 are:
1. The secondary identifier for another provider involved in the care was not included on the claim.
2. The secondary identifier provided is incorrect or does not match the records in the payer's system.
3. The claim form may have been filled out improperly, leaving the field for the other provider's secondary identifier blank.
4. The claim submission process may have encountered errors, leading to the omission of the secondary identifier.
5. The provider may have used an outdated or retired identifier that is no longer recognized by the payer.
6. The secondary identifier might not meet the specific format or content requirements set by the payer or regulatory standards.
7. There may be a mismatch in the information provided, such as the name of the other provider not correlating with the secondary identifier given.
Ways to mitigate code N271 include implementing a thorough review process for all claims before submission to ensure that secondary provider identifiers, such as National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers, are present and accurately recorded. Training staff on the importance of complete and accurate data entry and keeping up-to-date records of all providers' information can also help prevent this code. Utilizing automated claim scrubbing software that flags missing or invalid information can catch errors before claims are submitted. Regularly auditing claims to identify and address common documentation errors can also reduce the incidence of N271 codes.
The steps to address code N271 involve verifying and updating the provider information in your billing system. First, review the claim to identify which secondary provider identifier is missing or incorrect. This could be a taxonomy code, state license number, or other specific identifier required by the payer. Once identified, obtain the correct information from the provider's records or by contacting the provider directly. Update the claim with the accurate secondary identifier and resubmit it to the payer. Ensure that your billing system and practice management software are updated with this information to prevent future occurrences of this error. Additionally, consider implementing a verification process for provider identifiers as part of your routine claim preparation to minimize such errors.