How To Fix Remark Code M534 (RARC) | Common Reasons, Next Steps & How To Avoid It

Remark Code N325 means that there is a missing, incomplete, or invalid last worked date. This code is used to indicate the reason for denial or adjustment of a claim related to the last worked date. It is important for medical coders to understand this remark code in order to address any issues and ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

1. Description

Remark Code N325 indicates that there is a missing, incomplete, or invalid last worked date. The official description states: ‘Missing/incomplete/invalid last worked date.’ The last worked date is an essential piece of information for claims processing, as it helps determine the eligibility and coverage for certain services. It is crucial to provide accurate and complete last worked dates to avoid claim denials or adjustments.

2. Common Reasons

1. Missing last worked date: Sometimes, the last worked date may not be documented or provided in the claim submission. This can occur due to oversight or lack of awareness of the importance of this information.
2. Incomplete last worked date: Incomplete last worked dates may occur when only partial information is provided, such as the month and year without the specific day. Incomplete dates can lead to claim processing issues and delays.
3. Invalid last worked date: An invalid last worked date refers to a date that does not align with the patient’s medical history or the timeframe in which the services were rendered. This can occur due to data entry errors or incorrect documentation.

3. Next Steps

1. Review the claim documentation: Start by reviewing the claim documentation to ensure that the last worked date is included and accurately recorded. If the last worked date is missing or incomplete, contact the healthcare provider or the person responsible for claim submission to obtain the necessary information.
2. Verify the accuracy of the last worked date: If the last worked date is provided but appears to be invalid, cross-reference it with the patient’s medical records or consult with the healthcare provider to confirm the correct date. Correct any discrepancies or errors in the claim submission.
3. Update the claim with the correct last worked date: Once the missing, incomplete, or invalid last worked date has been addressed, update the claim with the accurate information. Ensure that the last worked date is clearly documented and easily identifiable for claims processing.

4. How To Avoid It

1. Educate healthcare providers and staff: Provide education and training to healthcare providers and staff regarding the importance of documenting and providing accurate last worked dates. Emphasize the impact of incomplete or invalid dates on claims processing and reimbursement.
2. Implement quality assurance processes: Establish quality assurance processes to review claim documentation before submission. This can help identify any missing or incomplete last worked dates and allow for timely corrections.
3. Utilize electronic health record systems: Electronic health record systems can help streamline the documentation process and reduce the likelihood of missing or incomplete last worked dates. Ensure that the systems are properly configured to capture and display this information accurately.

5. Example Cases

1. Case 1: A claim for medical services is denied because the last worked date is missing. The healthcare provider contacts the patient to obtain the necessary information and resubmits the claim with the accurate last worked date, resulting in successful reimbursement.
2. Case 2: A claim adjustment occurs because the last worked date provided is incomplete. The billing department reviews the claim documentation, contacts the healthcare provider for the complete last worked date, and updates the claim accordingly, ensuring proper reimbursement.

Source: Remittance Advice Remark Codes