Can anyone tell me why Medicare will sometimes pay for a 82270 and 82272 and sometimes they don’t? I am billing for a family practice and there is no rhyme or reason why they are denying some and paying others. The same dx is being used on the ones that they do pay and the ones that they reject Z12.12 Screening for Rectal Cancer. I would truly appreciate the insight of anyone who is knowledgable on these cpt codes with Medicare. The following are the common denial reasons we are receiving:
50 : These are non-covered services because this is not deemed a ‘medical necessity’ by the payer. Note: Refer to the 835 Healthcare Policy Identification Segment (loop 2110 Service Payment Information REF), if present.
M25 : The information furnished does not substantiate the need for this level of service. If you believe the service should have been fully covered as billed, or if you did not know and could not reasonably have been expected to know that we would not pay for this level of service, or if you notified the patient in writing in advance that we would not pay for this level of service and he/she agreed in writing to pay, ask us to review your claim within 120 days of the date of this notice. If you do not request an appeal, we will, upon application from the patient, reimburse him/her for the amount you have collected from him/her in excess of any deductible and coinsurance amounts. We will recover the reimbursement from you as an overpayment.
N386 : This decision was based on a National Coverage Determination (NCD). An NCD provides a coverage determination as to whether a particular item or service is covered. A copy of this policy is available at www.cms.gov/mcd/search.asp. If you do not have web access, you may contact the contractor to request a copy of the NCD.
16 : Claim/service lacks information or has submission/billing error(s) which is needed for adjudication. Do not use this code for claims attachment(s)/other documentation. At least one Remark Code must be provided (may be comprised of either the NCPDP Reject Reason Code, or Remittance Advice Remark Code that is not an ALERT.) Note: Refer to the 835 Healthcare Policy Identification Segment (loop 2110 Service Payment Information REF), if present.
MA120 : Missing/incomplete/invalid CLIA certification number.