Which supporting documentation is crucial when submitting an insurance claim?

The inclusion of claims attachments is essential when submitting an insurance claim because these documents provide necessary additional information that supports the medical necessity and appropriateness of the services billed. Claims attachments may include patient medical records, progress notes, treatment plans, or any other relevant documentation that helps the payer understand the context and need for the services rendered. This support can be vital in determining claims approval, especially for services that may not be straightforward or are subject to medical necessity criteria.

In contrast, the other options, while related to billing and insurance processes, do not serve the same critical function of providing documentation to justify the claim itself. Electronic remittance advice helps in understanding payments made by the insurer but is not submitted with the initial claim. An accounts receivable aging report is used for tracking collected and outstanding payments but does not address the claim submission directly. A common data file pertains to a structured method for transferring data and may support various administrative tasks but does not specifically provide the necessary clinical justification required for the insurance claim being submitted.