As the healthcare industry strives to ensure accurate and efficient claims processing, the use of denial codes has become a crucial element in the revenue cycle management process. One of the most common denial codes that providers and medical billing companies encounter is CO 97, which is used by Medicare to indicate that the claim is denied because the patient has exceeded the maximum number of services or supplies for the given time frame.
Understanding the reason for CO 97 denial code is vital to avoid claim denials and rejections. This code is triggered when a provider submits a claim for a service or supply that has already been provided to the patient multiple times within a specified time period. Most often, this occurs with durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, or oxygen tanks, which have a certain number of allowable uses within a stated period.
To prevent CO 97 denials, providers should ensure that they are aware of the maximum number of services or supplies allowed by Medicare and other health insurance plans. They should document the dates of service, usage, and duration of each service or supply to keep accurate records of the patient’s eligibility for reimbursement. Providers should also communicate with their patients and ensure that they understand the limitations of their plans and what is available to them within their benefits.
If a CO 97 denial code is received, providers should review the claim and identify the service or supply that has exceeded the allowed quantity. It may also be necessary to verify the patient’s eligibility for the service or supply before resubmitting the claim. Providers should also be mindful of the deadline for resubmitting claims to ensure that they can receive prompt reimbursement.
To summarize, CO 97 denial code is a frequent occurrence for providers who offer DME, and it can be remedied through careful documentation, communication, and proactive monitoring of usage limits. By understanding the intricacies of Medicare and other insurance plan requirements, providers can minimize the impact of CO 97 denials on their revenue cycle and patients’ satisfaction with their services.
