Remark code N748 is an adjustment notice indicating the absence of related hospital charge submissions.
Remark code N748 is an indication that the payment adjustment has been made because the charges related to hospital services have not yet been received.
Common causes of code N748 are:
1. The hospital has not yet submitted the charges related to the specific service or procedure to the insurance company.
2. There is a delay in the hospital's billing process, preventing timely submission of the related charges.
3. Incorrect patient information or billing details were provided, causing a mismatch in the insurer's system and hindering the association of the charges with the correct claim.
4. The claim was submitted before the hospital charges, leading to a temporary denial until the related charges are received and processed.
5. Technical issues or errors in the electronic submission of hospital charges, resulting in the insurer not receiving the necessary information to process the claim fully.
Ways to mitigate code N748 include implementing a comprehensive tracking system that ensures all related hospital charges are submitted simultaneously with the claim. Establishing a robust communication channel between the billing department and the hospital's medical records or patient care services can help in quickly identifying and including all relevant charges. Regular training sessions for the billing staff on the importance of comprehensive charge capture and the potential financial impacts of missing charges can also be beneficial. Additionally, utilizing automated charge capture software that integrates with the hospital's electronic health record (EHR) system can significantly reduce the likelihood of missing related hospital charges. Lastly, conducting periodic audits of billed claims versus services documented in the patient's medical record can help identify any discrepancies or patterns that could lead to this issue, allowing for corrective action to be taken proactively.
The steps to address code N748 involve a multi-faceted approach to ensure that the related hospital charges are submitted promptly and accurately to avoid future denials or adjustments. Initially, it's crucial to verify that the hospital charges in question have indeed been sent to the insurance company. If they have not, the necessary hospital billing department should be contacted to expedite the submission of these charges.
In cases where the charges have been submitted, but the code still appears, a detailed review of the submission dates and the claim information is necessary to identify any discrepancies or errors. It may be beneficial to cross-reference the hospital charges with the patient's medical records to ensure that all provided services are accurately documented and billed.
If discrepancies are found, correcting the billing information and resubmitting the charges as soon as possible is essential. Communication with the insurance provider may also be necessary to clarify the situation and ensure that the resubmitted charges are processed correctly.
Additionally, implementing a system to track the submission and acceptance of hospital charges can prevent similar issues in the future. This could involve regular audits of billing and submission processes to identify and rectify potential bottlenecks or errors promptly.
Lastly, training for billing staff on the importance of timely and accurate charge submission, along with regular updates on coding standards and insurance requirements, can help minimize the occurrence of code N748 and similar issues, ensuring smoother revenue cycle management.