decisionhealth Newsletters, Answer Books - 2008 Issue 5 (May)
Answer_Book / Death_Disability_of_a_Patient / 3_tips_for_correcting_death_of_a_patient
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article explains an administrative Medicare billing problem involving claims denied because a patient is mistakenly recorded as dead. It discusses the general process for determining whether the issue started with the carrier or the Social Security Administration, and it outlines the kinds of follow-up documents and contacts involved. The piece is aimed at physicians, billing staff, and practice administrators who need to understand the basic resolution workflow.
Why This Topic Matters
Incorrect death-status records can block Medicare Part B reimbursement and create delays that affect practice cash flow. Understanding which agency is responsible for the mismatch helps billing staff direct follow-up efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays.
What You Will Learn
- How a mistaken death-status record can affect a Medicare Part B claim
- How to determine whether the issue originated with the carrier or the Social Security Administration
- What types of administrative follow-up may be used to resolve a coverage mismatch
- Why timely patient participation can matter in correcting record errors
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Medical office staff
- Billing and coding professionals
- Practice administrators
- Revenue cycle staff
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com