Are Neurology Claim Denials Taking Too Long to Resolve?

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Yes,  neurology claim denials are increasingly taking longer to resolve due to complex documentation requirements, payer scrutiny, and evolving reimbursement policies. These delays can significantly disrupt cash flow and weaken revenue integrity for neurology practices that rely on consistent reimbursement cycles. Neurology is one of the most documentation-intensive specialties. Diagnostic procedures, imaging requirements, and treatment protocols often require precise coding and detailed clinical justification. When claims are denied, the resolution process can become time-consuming, forcing practices to dedicate valuable administrative resources to appeals and follow-ups. Why Neurology Claim Denials Are Increasing Several factors are contributing to rising neurology claim denials  across healthcare organizations. Common causes include: Incomplete or insufficient clinical documentation Incorrect or outdated procedure coding Authorization errors for diagnostic t...

Common Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy CERT Errors

 

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Billing Part B Outpatient Therapy Services

Outpatient rehabilitation therapy includes Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) services. Medicare covers outpatient PT, OT, and SLP services when:

  • A physician or Non-Physician Practitioner (NPP) certifies the “treatment plan,” called the Plan of Care (POC), ensuring:
    • A patient needs therapy services 
    • POC is: 
      • Established by a physician, NPP, our qualified therapist provides services 
      • Reviewed periodically by a physician or NPP 
    • A patient gets services under physician care 
  • POC certifying the provider’s name and NPI is on the claim 
  • Providers meet medical necessity, documentation, and coding requirements

where, 

  • CERT: Comprehensive Error Rate Testing
  • A physician is a Doctor of Medicine, osteopathy, podiatric medicine, and optometry (only for low vision rehabilitation). 
  • NPP includes a Physician Assistant (PA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Nurse Practitioner (NP). 
  • A qualified Therapist includes a PT, OT, or SLP who meets regulatory qualifications as applicable, including state licensure or certification.

Common Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy CERT Errors

  • Missing certification and recertification(s): Physician’s, NPP’s, or therapist’s dated signature(s) approving the POC. Prevention: Confirm physician or NPP certified the POC (and recertified it when appropriate) with their signature and date.
  • Missing signature: Physician, NPP, or therapist who developed the POC and established treatment plan date. Prevention: Ensure you add your dated signature and professional identification (for example, PT, OT).

To learn more about Common Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy CERT Errors, click here: https://bit.ly/3qSdiEY Contact us at info@medicalbillersandcoders.com888-357-3226.

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