decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2011 Issue 8 (August)
5 tips to fast appeals on denied claims
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Article Overview
This article discusses how billing and revenue cycle teams can respond more quickly to denied claims and other payer rejections. It covers general approaches to phone-based corrections, redetermination requests, documentation support, payer-specific workflows, and internal follow-up practices. The content is aimed at coding, billing, and practice management professionals who handle claim denials and appeals.
Why This Topic Matters
Denied claims can delay reimbursement and create repeat errors if they are not addressed promptly. The article is relevant to organizations looking to improve appeal turnaround, reduce duplicate denials, and strengthen denial-management workflows.
Article Sections
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Revenue cycle management
An overview of denial management and the importance of acting quickly on claims that have been rejected. The section introduces the general theme of appeal timing and correction workflows.
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1. Phone it in whenever you can.
A discussion of situations where claims issues may be handled by phone with a Medicare Administrative Contractor. The section outlines broad categories of corrections that may be resolved without a formal appeal.
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2. Have a form letter to explain redeterminations.
Guidance on preparing written support for redetermination requests when phone resolution is not sufficient. The section focuses on documentation habits and submission workflow.
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3. Look for missed revenue due to payer differences.
A look at differences in payer billing behavior that can create missed reimbursement opportunities. The section emphasizes reviewing claims for payer-specific payment patterns.
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4. When it comes to staff, create payer experts.
Advice on organizing staff responsibilities by payer to build familiarity with coverage and appeal processes. The section also touches on internal timing practices for appeal follow-up.
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5. Don’t give up on low-value denials.
A discussion of when lower-dollar denials may still be worth pursuing. The section covers internal thresholds and the broader impact of ignoring small claims balances.
What You Will Learn
- How denial-management workflows can be organized for faster follow-up
- When a claim issue may be handled informally versus through a written request
- Why documentation support matters in appeal processing
- How payer-specific differences can affect reimbursement opportunities
- How teams can structure responsibilities and follow-up for denials
- Why low-dollar denials may still deserve review
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Revenue cycle managers
- Practice administrators
- Appeals and denial-management staff
Codes Discussed
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