What should be completed after the primary insurer sends a remittance advice?

After the primary insurer sends a remittance advice, the appropriate next step is to submit secondary claims. The remittance advice provides vital information regarding the amount paid by the primary insurer and any contractual adjustments, deductibles, or co-insurance that the patient may be responsible for. This information is crucial when filing secondary claims, as it allows the healthcare provider to understand what amount is still owed after the primary payment has been processed and what the secondary insurer may cover.

Submitting secondary claims is a standard part of the revenue cycle management process as it helps ensure that all potential revenue is collected from both primary and secondary payers. It also aids in minimizing the patient’s out-of-pocket expenses if the secondary policy covers any of the remaining costs.

The other choices, while important in the broader context of revenue cycle management, do not directly follow the receipt of a remittance advice. Filing for denial appeals pertains to claims that were denied rather than claims being processed after payment. Processing patient payments occurs after secondary claims have been submitted and should reflect the amounts that patients are liable for. Reviewing audit trails is a valuable practice for ensuring compliance and accuracy but does not directly relate to actions taken immediately following the remittance advice process.