Reason Code: 5WEXC

Error Description:

As submitted, this claim does not qualify for Medicare payment due to the principal diagnosis code supplied. If additional medical circumstances exist or if there is a more specific diagnosis code, indicate the appropriate diagnosis(s) for the claim on appeals.

Avoiding/Correcting This Error

Ensure all Medicare coverage and medical necessity requirements are met prior to billing. When the provider determines that Medicare will not cover the services, consider submitting the charges as noncovered. 5WEXC, based on coverage provisions in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Internet-Only Manual (IOM) Publication 100-02, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 16, General Exclusions from Coverage (200 KB) and the CMS IOM Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 18, Preventive and Screening Services (1 MB). A review of these regulations confirms the conclusion that most dental services and routine services are not part of the Medicare benefit. Although these services may have been paid previously, new edits may now result in the denial of services that are not covered under Medicare. NGS recommends review of our most recent policies as well as the CMS policies to assure proper coding and billing, as well as prompt and correct payment.