Denial Management

Denial management (whether the denials are based on substance, stalling or practice error) is a key part of revenue cycle management. Some quick tips:

1) every denial should be logged in

2) every denial should have an answer date assigned

3) there should be clear responsibility for answering the denials

4) denials should be compiled for trend analysis, especially practice errors and denials by payer

5) prompt pay laws should be used when applicable (although be careful about starting wars with payers)

6) summaries should be prepared monthly and reviewed for management action


If a practice is behind on denial management, create a strategy to catch up, focusing on the most probable collections and the highest value claims.