NGS, a Medicare administrative contractor serving agencies in 19 states, reports to its providers that there has been a resolution for the months-long issue with Notices of Admission that was causing a return to provider incorrectly with edit code U537F.
The error was due to the Common Working File not correctly recognizing discharges, according to a message from NGS to providers Friday, May 6, 2022.
Providers in NGS states were told that, effective April 25, 2022, they can resubmit any NOAs that have returned to provider incorrectly and are advised to bill the KX modifier on the final period of care claims affected by the late NOA. “The claim(s) should also include Remarks to request an exception to the late-filing penalty. These remarks can be similar to ‘Late NOA due to System Problem 34567," according to NGS.
Agencies in states serviced by other MACs should monitor the claims payment issues log for instructions: