What is usually the first step in handling a rejected insurance claim?

The first step in handling a rejected insurance claim involves reviewing the remittance advice for errors. This document provides detailed information about the claim and the reason for the rejection. By carefully examining it, medical assistants can identify whether the rejection was due to simple mistakes such as coding errors, missing information, or issues with the patient's insurance coverage.

Understanding the specific reason for the rejection allows the medical assistant to take the appropriate corrective actions effectively. For example, if an error is found in the coding or if additional documentation is needed, these can be addressed before taking further steps such as appealing the decision or contacting the patient. This thorough review establishes a solid foundation for resolving the issue at hand and ensures that subsequent steps are well-informed and targeted toward rectifying the rejected claim.