Timely Filing Denials - How to Get Them Paid

Isn't it annoying when you submit an insurance claim and get a denial for timely filing. Insurance companies want your claims filed quickly, some within 45 days of the date of service. If you have filed your claims on time and still get a denial for timely filing, here is the process that works for us.

First, deal with it immediately. Do not put it down someplace and think you will get back to it at a later date. Most insurance carriers give you a limited time to appeal a timely filing denial.

Second, print out a new CMS form of the claim. Make sure you print the correct claim, not a different date of service and write TIMELY FILING PROOF ATTACHED on the claim.

Third, print out a patient ledger or an insurance aging report for that claim from your practice management system. If you submitted the claim electronically, you can use a copy of your electronics report that shows the claim accepted.

If the claim was for a secondary insurance, you must also find a copy of the eob (explanation of benefits) from the primary insurance carrier for the correct date of service and attach that to the claim.

Next, staple the claim, aging report, and if necessary the eob together with the claim on top. If the insurance carrier you are appealing the claim to requires an adjustment form, you must also complete the adjustment form.

Mail the claim. That's it.