What factor may lead to delayed claims processing in healthcare?

The factor that can lead to delayed claims processing in healthcare is incomplete patient information or missing documentation. Claims processing in healthcare relies heavily on the accuracy and completeness of submitted information. When necessary patient details, such as insurance information, diagnosis codes, procedure codes, or supporting documentation, are incomplete or missing, it can result in claims being denied or returned for correction. This leads to additional time needed to gather the required information, ultimately delaying the reimbursement process.

Having essential documentation readily available is critical for healthcare providers to ensure that claims are processed smoothly and efficiently. Without this, the entire billing workflow is disrupted, leading to delays that can affect cash flow for healthcare organizations.