MA17Remark Code (RARC)Active
MA17 Remark Code - Primary Payer Notification
The MA17 remark code indicates that the payer is the primary insurer for the claim and has paid according to the primary rate. It instructs the provider to reach out to the patient's secondary insurer if there was an overpayment due to the secondary insurer incorrectly processing the claim as primary.
How It Relates to the Denial
This remark code typically accompanies a Claim Adjustment Reason Code that indicates an adjustment for coordination of benefits. Together, they signal that the primary payer has settled the claim and highlights the need for the provider to resolve any potential overpayment with the secondary insurer.
Common Scenarios
1A provider submits a claim for a service, and the primary payer processes it, indicating payment. The remittance includes the MA17 remark code along with a reason code for a partial payment.
→ In this case, the MA17 remark code suggests that the primary payer has made the correct payment, and the provider needs to check with the secondary insurer to see if they paid more than what was necessary.
2After billing for a procedure, a provider receives an 835 remittance showing that the primary payer has made a payment and included the MA17 remark code.
→ The presence of the MA17 remark code indicates that the provider should verify any payments made by the patient's other insurance to ensure there is no excess payment that needs to be refunded.
3A patient has two insurance plans, and after the primary payer's payment, the provider sees the MA17 remark code on the remittance advice.
→ This remark signals that the primary payer has fulfilled its obligation, and the provider must now address any discrepancies or excess payments from the secondary insurer.
What to Do
- Contact the patient's secondary insurer to determine if an overpayment has occurred.
- Prepare to issue a refund to the secondary insurer if they paid incorrectly based on the primary payment.
- Document any communications with the secondary insurer regarding the overpayment.
What to Check
- The claim adjustment reason code accompanying the MA17 remark for further context on the adjustment.
- The patient's insurance policy documents to confirm the coverage details of the primary and secondary insurers.
- Payment records from the secondary insurer to assess if an overpayment was made.