Tips to prevent reject reason code 31997

This reason code is assigned when the TOB is equal to inpatient (11x, 18x, 21x, or 41x), the non-covered charges are greater than zero and are equal to the total charges, and occurrence span code (OSC) 79 or M1 is present on the claim. These OSC indicate a period of non-covered care that is not medically necessary for which the provider is liable. 

Refer to the Part A Reason Code Lookup for a description associated with the Medicare Part A reason code(s). Enter a valid reason code into the box and click the submit button.

 

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