Final answer:
According to Medicare guidelines, a provider should contact the MAC or Medicare Advantage Plan, consider submitting an appeal or request for reconsideration, and seek legal action if necessary if a claim has not been paid after thirty days.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Medicare guidelines, if a claim has not been paid after thirty days, the provider should take the following steps:
- First, the provider should contact the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) or the Medicare Advantage Plan to inquire about the status of the claim and to address any potential issues or errors.
- If the claim remains unpaid after this initial follow-up, the provider should consider submitting an appeal or requesting a reconsideration of the claim. This process involves submitting additional documentation or supporting evidence to support the validity of the claim.
- Lastly, if all other avenues have been exhausted and the claim still remains unpaid, the provider may need to seek legal action or consult with a Medicare attorney to explore further options.