In Medicare claim submissions, which statement correctly describes timely filing and the role of the Remittance Advice in reconciling subsequent submissions?

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Timely filing is about submitting Medicare claims within the period the program allows, which for most services is within 12 months of the date of service. The Remittance Advice (RA) is the payer’s detailed record that follows payment, showing exactly what was paid, what was adjusted, and what the patient is responsible for. When you have subsequent submissions or corrections, you use the 835 electronic remittance details that accompany the RA to reconcile your records with what Medicare actually paid and what the patient owes. This reconciliation helps prevent double payments, identifies any remaining balances, and ensures your billing reflects the true outcome of the claim.

Keeping documentation is essential to support the reconciliation process—retain the RA, the 835 file, and notes about the claim so you can verify payments, adjustments, and patient responsibility during audits or disputes.