DENIAL CODES

Denial code 58

Denial code 58 means the treatment was done in the wrong place. Check the 835 Healthcare Policy Identification Segment for more details.

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What is Denial Code 58

Denial code 58 is used when the payer determines that the treatment or service was provided in a location that is considered inappropriate or invalid according to their guidelines. To understand the specific details of this denial, you can refer to the 835 Healthcare Policy Identification Segment (loop 2110 Service Payment Information REF) in the payment remittance advice, if it is provided.

Common Causes of CARC 58

Common causes of code 58 are:

1. Incorrect coding of the place of service: One of the common reasons for code 58 is when the healthcare provider incorrectly codes the place of service where the treatment was rendered. This could be due to human error or lack of understanding of the specific coding guidelines for different types of services.

2. Lack of medical necessity documentation: Payers may deny a claim with code 58 if they believe that the treatment was not medically necessary for the specific place of service. This could happen if the healthcare provider fails to provide sufficient documentation to support the medical necessity of the treatment in that particular setting.

3. Billing for services not covered in the designated place of service: Payers have specific guidelines regarding which services are covered in different places of service. If a healthcare provider bills for services that are not typically covered in the designated place of service, it can result in a denial with code 58.

4. Failure to meet specific criteria for the place of service: Some places of service have specific criteria that need to be met in order for the services to be reimbursed. If the healthcare provider fails to meet these criteria, such as not having the necessary equipment or staff available, it can lead to a denial with code 58.

5. Lack of coordination with the payer: In some cases, the denial with code 58 may occur due to a lack of coordination between the healthcare provider and the payer. This could be a result of not verifying the payer's specific requirements for the place of service or not obtaining prior authorization when required.

It is important for healthcare providers to review the specific denial code and corresponding documentation requirements provided by the payer to understand the exact cause of the denial and take appropriate actions to address it.

Ways to Mitigate Denial Code 58

Ways to mitigate code 58 include:

  1. Ensure accurate and thorough documentation: Make sure that all medical records clearly indicate the appropriate place of service where the treatment was provided. This will help to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation by the payer.
  2. Educate staff on proper coding guidelines: Train your coding and billing staff on the specific guidelines for selecting the correct place of service code. This will help to minimize errors and ensure that the services are coded accurately.
  3. Regularly review and update coding policies: Stay up-to-date with the latest coding policies and guidelines related to place of service codes. Regularly review and update your internal coding policies to align with these guidelines, reducing the risk of denials due to incorrect coding.
  4. Conduct internal audits: Perform regular internal audits to identify any potential coding errors or inconsistencies. This will allow you to proactively address any issues and make necessary corrections before claims are submitted.
  5. Communicate with payers: Establish open lines of communication with payers to clarify any questions or concerns regarding the appropriate place of service code. This can help to prevent denials and ensure that claims are processed correctly.
  6. Utilize technology and automation: Implement coding software or tools that can help automate the coding process and ensure accurate selection of the appropriate place of service code. This can help reduce human errors and improve coding accuracy.
  7. Monitor denial trends: Keep track of denial trends related to inappropriate or invalid place of service codes. Analyze the root causes of these denials and implement targeted strategies to address and prevent them in the future.

By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can mitigate code 58 and reduce the risk of denials related to inappropriate or invalid place of service.

How to Address Denial Code 58

The steps to address code 58 are as follows:

1. Review the claim details: Carefully review the claim to ensure that the place of service (POS) listed is accurate and appropriate for the treatment provided. Cross-reference the POS code with the payer's guidelines to confirm if any specific requirements or restrictions apply.

2. Verify the documentation: Check the medical documentation to ensure that it supports the selected POS. Look for any discrepancies or errors that may have led to the inappropriate or invalid place of service determination by the payer.

3. Communicate with the provider: If you believe that the selected POS was indeed appropriate, reach out to the treating provider to discuss the denial and gather any additional information or supporting documentation that may be necessary for an appeal.

4. Appeal the denial: Prepare a well-documented appeal letter that clearly explains why the selected POS was appropriate for the treatment rendered. Include any relevant guidelines, regulations, or industry standards that support your argument. Attach any supporting documentation, such as medical records or provider notes, to strengthen your case.

5. Follow up with the payer: After submitting the appeal, closely monitor the progress and follow up with the payer to ensure that it is being reviewed in a timely manner. Be prepared to provide any additional information or answer any questions that may arise during the review process.

6. Consider alternative options: If the appeal is unsuccessful, evaluate if there are any alternative options available. This may include exploring if the service can be resubmitted with a different POS or if there are any other coding or billing strategies that can be employed to address the denial.

Remember, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the specific denial code and its implications to effectively address it. By following these steps and providing strong supporting documentation, you can increase the chances of successfully resolving the denial and receiving appropriate reimbursement.

RARCs Associated to CARC 58

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