What is the function of edit checks during claims processing?

The function of edit checks during claims processing primarily revolves around ensuring compliance with billing rules before a claim is submitted. These edit checks serve as automated reviews that help identify potential errors in the claim data, including issues with codes, modifiers, and services billed. By catching these discrepancies early in the process, edit checks minimize the risk of claim denials and rejections from insurance payers, ultimately streamlining the billing workflow and improving revenue cycle management.

In this context, though validating patient eligibility, finalizing patient billing amounts, and verifying the accuracy of patient records are all important aspects of the billing process, they are not the primary focus of edit checks. Edit checks specifically aim to enforce compliance with established guidelines and rules, which is crucial for a successful claims submission. This proactive measure ensures that claims submitted are more likely to be processed without delays or issues, enhancing the overall efficiency of the billing system.