M8Remark Code (RARC)Active
M8 Remark Code - Blood Gas Test Acceptance Criteria
The M8 remark code indicates that the payer does not accept blood gas test results if the test was conducted by a medical supplier or if the patient was on oxygen during the test. This remark supplements an adjustment made by the accompanying reason code, clarifying the specific circumstances under which the test results are deemed unacceptable.
How It Relates to the Denial
The M8 remark code typically accompanies denial reason codes related to laboratory services, particularly those involving blood gas tests. The combination signals that the payer is rejecting claims for these tests based on the specified criteria regarding the testing conditions.
Common Scenarios
1A claim for a blood gas test was submitted after a patient received the test from a medical supplier while on supplemental oxygen.
→ The M8 remark code indicates that the payer has denied the claim because the blood gas test results do not meet their acceptance criteria, specifically due to the conditions under which the test was performed.
2A provider submitted a claim for arterial blood gas testing, but the patient was on oxygen at the time of the test.
→ The appearance of the M8 remark code means the payer is rejecting the test results, citing the patient's oxygen use as a reason for non-acceptance.
3A facility billed for a blood gas test performed by a medical supplier, and the remittance returned with a denial and the M8 remark code.
→ This indicates that the payer does not accept the test results due to the fact that it was conducted by a medical supplier, as specified in the M8 code.
What to Do
- Verify the provider type that conducted the blood gas test to ensure compliance with payer guidelines.
- Confirm whether the patient was on oxygen at the time of the test, as this affects the acceptance of results.
- If the test was performed inappropriately, consider resubmitting a corrected claim with appropriate documentation.
What to Check
- Review the claim details to confirm the provider type that performed the blood gas test.
- Check the patient's medical record to determine if oxygen was administered during the test.
- Examine the remittance advice for the accompanying reason code to understand the primary basis for adjustment.