What does a claims denial signify?

A claims denial signifies a refusal by the insurer to pay a claim. This can occur for various reasons, such as the service not being covered under the patient's insurance plan, discrepancies in the documentation submitted, or issues related to medical necessity. When a claim is denied, the healthcare provider and the patient must reassess the situation, which may involve providing additional information, appealing the decision, or correcting errors in the original claim submission.

The other options do not accurately represent the meaning of a claims denial. Approval of payments for medical services indicates that the claim has been accepted, not denied. A request for additional information is a proactive communication from the insurer, whereas a denial is a definitive refusal. An internal audit of claim submissions pertains to a review process and is unrelated to the claims denial itself. Thus, understanding that a claims denial specifically refers to the insurer's refusal to pay is crucial for navigating the claims process effectively.