B9Denial Code (CARC)Active
CARC B9 Denial Code - Hospice Enrollment Issue
Code B9 indicates that the patient is enrolled in a hospice program. This adjustment typically means the services billed are covered under the patient's hospice benefit and not separately payable by the payer you billed.
Who Pays: Group Code Liability
The adjustment associated with code B9 usually falls under the CO group code, meaning it is a contractual write-off and the patient cannot be billed for these services. If the services are not covered by hospice, check payer guidelines for exceptions.
Why Claims Get Code B9
- The patient was enrolled in a hospice program at the time of service.
- The services billed are covered under the hospice benefit package.
- The claim was submitted to the wrong payer due to incorrect coordination of benefits.
- The hospice provider is responsible for certain services, not the billing provider.
- The billing provider was unaware of the patient's hospice enrollment.
How to Fix & Resubmit
- Verify the patient's hospice enrollment status at the time of service.
- Check if the services provided are covered under the hospice benefit package.
- Contact the hospice provider to confirm responsibility for the billed services.
- If applicable, correct the coordination of benefits and resubmit to the correct payer.
- If the claim was incorrectly denied, gather documentation and appeal with the payer.
Corrected Claim or Appeal?
Submit a corrected claim if the wrong payer was billed or hospice enrollment was misidentified. If services are incorrectly denied as part of hospice, appeal with supporting documentation.
Preventing Future B9 Denials
- Always verify patient eligibility and hospice enrollment before billing.
- Establish communication with hospice providers to clarify service responsibilities.
- Ensure coordination of benefits is accurately determined and updated regularly.
- Educate billing staff on hospice-related billing nuances and payer policies.