How To Fix Remark Code M541 (RARC) | Common Reasons, Next Steps & How To Avoid It

Remark Code N332 means that there is a missing, incomplete, or invalid prior hospital discharge date. This code is used to indicate the reason for denial or adjustment of a claim related to the prior hospital discharge date. It is important to address this remark code to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

1. Description

Remark Code N332 indicates that there is a missing, incomplete, or invalid prior hospital discharge date. The official description states: ‘Missing/incomplete/invalid prior hospital discharge date.’ The prior hospital discharge date is a crucial piece of information for proper claim processing and reimbursement. It helps determine the continuity of care and the necessity of the current treatment.

2. Common Reasons

1. Missing prior hospital discharge date: Sometimes, the prior hospital discharge date is not provided in the claim or medical records, leading to the remark code N332.
2. Incomplete prior hospital discharge date: If the prior hospital discharge date is partially documented or lacks specific details, it may result in the remark code N332.
3. Invalid prior hospital discharge date: An invalid prior hospital discharge date could be due to an incorrect format, an entry error, or a date that does not align with the patient’s medical history.

3. Next Steps

1. Review the claim and medical records: Carefully examine the claim and medical records to identify any missing, incomplete, or invalid prior hospital discharge date.
2. Contact the healthcare provider: Reach out to the healthcare provider to obtain the accurate prior hospital discharge date. This may involve requesting additional documentation or clarification.
3. Update the claim with the correct information: Once the accurate prior hospital discharge date is obtained, update the claim with the correct information before resubmitting it for processing.

4. How To Avoid It

1. Ensure accurate documentation: Healthcare providers should ensure that all relevant dates, including the prior hospital discharge date, are accurately documented in the patient’s medical records.
2. Double-check claim information: Before submitting a claim, review all the information, including the prior hospital discharge date, to ensure its accuracy and completeness.
3. Implement quality control measures: Establish internal processes and checks to verify the completeness and validity of all required information, including the prior hospital discharge date, before submitting claims.

5. Example Cases

1. Case 1: A claim is denied due to a missing prior hospital discharge date. Upon review, it is discovered that the date was not documented in the medical records. The healthcare provider contacts the patient’s previous hospital to obtain the necessary information and resubmits the claim with the correct prior hospital discharge date.
2. Case 2: An adjustment is made to a claim because the prior hospital discharge date provided is incomplete. The healthcare provider reviews the medical records and realizes that the specific details of the discharge date were not recorded. They contact the patient’s previous healthcare facility to obtain the missing information and update the claim accordingly.

Source: Remittance Advice Remark Codes