How To Fix Remark Code M168 (RARC) | Common Reasons, Next Steps & How To Avoid It

Remark Code MA57 means that the patient has submitted a written request to revoke their election for religious non-medical health care services. This code is used to indicate the reason for denial or adjustment of a claim related to religious non-medical health care services. It is important for medical coders to understand the common reasons for this remark code and the steps to take to fix it.

1. Description

Remark Code MA57 indicates that the patient has submitted a written request to revoke their election for religious non-medical health care services. The official description states: ‘Patient submitted written request to revoke his/her election for religious non-medical health care services.’ This remark code is applicable starting from January 1, 1997.

2. Common Reasons

1. Patient’s change in religious beliefs: The patient may have undergone a change in their religious beliefs, leading them to revoke their election for religious non-medical health care services.
2. Personal preference: The patient may have decided that they no longer wish to receive religious non-medical health care services for personal reasons.
3. Financial constraints: The patient may have encountered financial difficulties and can no longer afford religious non-medical health care services.
4. Disagreement with the provided services: The patient may have had a negative experience or disagreement with the religious non-medical health care services they received, leading them to revoke their election.

3. Next Steps

1. Verify the patient’s written request: Ensure that the patient has indeed submitted a written request to revoke their election for religious non-medical health care services. This can be done by reviewing the patient’s records and any relevant documentation.
2. Update the patient’s records: Make the necessary updates in the patient’s records to reflect their revoked election for religious non-medical health care services.
3. Communicate with the patient: Reach out to the patient to confirm their request and provide any necessary information or support.

4. How To Avoid It

1. Educate patients about their options: Provide clear and comprehensive information to patients about religious non-medical health care services, including the process for revoking their election if needed.
2. Encourage open communication: Create a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable expressing their preferences and concerns regarding religious non-medical health care services.
3. Regularly review and update patient records: Stay up-to-date with any changes in the patient’s preferences or requests regarding religious non-medical health care services.

5. Example Cases

1. Case 1: A claim for religious non-medical health care services is denied because the patient has submitted a written request to revoke their election. The healthcare provider should follow the next steps to update the patient’s records accordingly.
2. Case 2: A claim adjustment occurs because the patient’s religious beliefs have changed, leading them to revoke their election for religious non-medical health care services. The healthcare provider should communicate with the patient and make the necessary updates in their records.

Source: Remittance Advice Remark Codes