New Claims System Update

Provider Manual
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14 CLAIM SUBMISSION AND ADJUDICATION PROCEDURES

14.4 Coordination of Benefits

IntegraNet and its providers agree Medicare coverage is secondary and the Medicaid program is the payer of last resort when third-party resources are available to cover the costs of medical services provided to Medicare members. When IntegraNet is aware of third-party resources prior to paying for a medical service, it will follow appropriate coordination of benefits standards by either rejecting a provider’s claim and redirecting the provider to bill the appropriate insurance carrier or, if IntegraNet does not become aware of the resource until sometime after payment for the service was rendered, by pursuing post payment recovery of the expenditure. Providers must not seek recovery in excess of the applicable Medicare and/or Medicaid payable amounts.

IntegraNet will follow appropriate coordination of benefits standards for trauma-related claims where third-party resources are identified prior to payment. Otherwise, IntegraNet will follow a pay and pursue policy on prospective and potential subrogation cases. Paid claims are reviewed and researched post payment to determine likely cases based on information obtained through communications with members and providers. IntegraNet handles the filing of liens and settlement negotiations both internally and externally via its vendors.

IntegraNet requires members to cooperate in the identification of any and all other potential sources of payment for services.

Skilled Nursing Facilities and Home Health Agencies

The Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) is a statutorily required notice that is issued to Medicare Advantage members to alert them of a discontinuation of skilled nursing facility, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility or home health services. This notice explains the determination that continued coverage after a specific effective date will no longer be covered by the plan. A NOMNC should be issued to a Medicare member at least two days prior to discharge, or in advance of the last two covered visits This notice informs the member his or her stay or visits no longer meet coverage criteria and will end in two days or after two visits. In most cases, the notice is required to be issued by the provider, and IntegraNet is required to ensure proper delivery and that the member’s signature is obtained. The member’s signature is not an agreement with the denial; however, it is documentation he or she has received the notification. If a member refuses to sign the notice, the provider may contact the member’s representative to have that person sign. If no representative is available, the provider may annotate the notice to indicate the refusal and document that notification was provided to the member, but the member refused to sign. If in-person notification cannot be provided to a representative, he or she can be contacted telephonically to advise him or her of the notice and their appeal rights. If agreed by both parties, the notice can then be emailed or faxed (in accordance with HIPAA privacy and security requirements). The notice should be annotated by the person providing the notification to the representative indicating the date, time, person name, relation to the member, telephone number called, and that the notice was read to the representative, including all appeal rights. If a member (or representative) elects to exercise his or her right to an immediate review, the member (or representative) must submit a request to the appropriate Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for the state by the deadline indicated in the notice. The provider is responsible for submitting any documents or medical records as requested by the QIO or IntegraNet Complaints, Appeals and Grievance department within the time frame indicated on the request.

Hospitals

The Important Message from Medicare (IMM) is a statutorily required notice issued to Medicare Advantage members to alert them of a discontinuation of acute inpatient hospital services. Within two days after an admission or at the preadmission visit (but not more than seven calendar days in advance of the admission), the hospital providing the inpatient services is required to issue the IMM. This statutorily required notice explains the Medicare beneficiary’s rights as a hospital inpatient, including discharge appeal rights. The hospital is required to deliver the notice in person and obtain the signature of the member or representative and provide them with a copy at that time. The hospital is also responsible for ensuring the member can comprehend the contents of the notice before obtaining the signature. It is the responsibility of the hospital to explain the notice, if necessary, and be able to answer any questions about the notice the member or representative may have. Notices should not be delivered while the member is receiving emergency treatment but should be delivered once the patient is stable. If a member refuses to sign the notice, the hospital may annotate the notice to indicate the refusal and document notification was attempted. If in-person notification cannot be provided to a representative, the hospital is responsible for telephonically contacting the representative to advise him or her of their appeal rights. If agreed by both parties, the notice can be emailed or faxed (in accordance with HIPAA privacy and security requirements). In addition, prior to discharge (but not more than two days in advance of discharge), the hospital must deliver another copy of the signed notice to the member or representative in person. If the notice is being given on the day of discharge, the member must be provided at least four hours to consider his or her rights and to request the QIO review. Hospitals should not routinely provide the notice on the day of discharge. If the member requests additional information on the discharge, the detailed notice can be issued prior to an immediate review request being initiated. If discharge occurs within two calendar days of the original notice, no additional copy needs to be delivered. If a member elects to exercise his or her right to an immediate review, he or she must submit a request to the appropriate QIO, as outlined in the notice, by midnight of the day of discharge, either verbally or in writing, before that person leaves the hospital.