What is the first action to take when reviewing a delinquent claim?

When reviewing a delinquent claim, the first action should be to verify the age of the account. This step is crucial because it helps determine how long the claim has been outstanding and whether it falls within the acceptable timeframe for follow-up. Different claims may have varying timelines for resolution; understanding the age of the account can guide the subsequent steps taken.

By knowing how long the claim has been delinquent, you can assess the urgency of the situation and decide the best course of action, whether that involves contacting the provider, verifying patient information, or checking the payment status. This approach ensures that the efforts made in following up are appropriate to the timeline of the claim, which can improve the efficiency of the collection process.