Remark code N832 is an alert indicating a duplicate occurrence or span code was submitted in a claim.
Remark code N832 is an indication that there has been a duplication in the submission of occurrence code or occurrence span code, suggesting that the same code has been reported more than once for the same date or date range, which may affect the processing or payment of the claim.
Common causes of code N832 (Duplicate occurrence code/occurrence span code) are:
1. Submitting the same claim more than once either by mistake or due to a lack of confirmation on the initial submission.
2. Including the same occurrence code or occurrence span code on a single claim for the same date or date range, which can happen due to clerical errors or misunderstanding of coding requirements.
3. System errors in the billing software that may automatically duplicate codes without the user's knowledge.
4. Misinterpretation of billing guidelines leading to the erroneous belief that duplicating codes could increase the likelihood of reimbursement for certain services or procedures.
5. Lack of communication between departments or providers, resulting in multiple submissions of the same information for a single patient encounter.
Ways to mitigate code N832 (Duplicate occurrence code/occurrence span code) include implementing a robust pre-billing review process that checks for and flags duplicate entries before claims submission. Utilizing advanced claim scrubbing software can automate the detection of duplicate occurrence codes or span codes, significantly reducing the risk of this error. Training billing staff on the importance of accurate and unique code entry for each claim, along with regular audits of claim submissions, can also help in identifying patterns that may lead to duplicates, allowing for corrective action to be taken proactively. Establishing clear communication channels between clinical and billing departments ensures that any discrepancies or ambiguities in documentation that could lead to duplicate coding are resolved before claim submission.
The steps to address code N832, indicating a duplicate occurrence code/occurrence span code, involve a systematic approach to identify and rectify the duplication error. Initially, review the patient's billing record to pinpoint the exact location and instance of the duplicated code. This requires a thorough comparison of the claim in question against previous submissions to ensure the duplication is not a result of resubmitting the same claim or a portion thereof.
Once identified, verify the necessity of the occurrence code/span code for the claim's current processing. If the duplication was unintentional and does not pertain to the services rendered, remove the redundant code from the claim. In cases where both codes are required but have been flagged as duplicates due to an error in coding, correct the specific details that led to the duplication flag. This might involve adjusting date ranges, specifying different occurrences, or providing additional documentation to justify the need for both codes.
After making the necessary corrections, revalidate the claim to ensure no other errors are present, and then resubmit the claim for processing. It's crucial to document the error and the steps taken to correct it, not only for internal records but also to expedite any discussions with the payer if the issue is queried. Lastly, consider implementing a review process for future claims to catch similar errors before submission, reducing the risk of repeated denials for the same reason.
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