Recoupment
A payer taking back money it already paid, often by offsetting future payments.
Get a Free Billing AuditDefinition
A recoupment is when a payer recovers an amount it previously paid — for example after an audit, an overpayment, or a corrected determination. It is frequently done by offsetting the amount against future payments rather than requesting a check back.
Because recoupments show up as reductions on later remittances, they need to be tracked back to the original claim so the accounting stays accurate.
Why it matters for billing
Unexplained payment reductions are often recoupments, and if they are not traced they distort AR and hide disputes. Reviewing the basis for each recoupment — and appealing when it is unwarranted — protects revenue and keeps the books reconciled.
Related terms
Terms that come up alongside Recoupment in the revenue cycle.
Billing that gets Recoupment right
EnVisionMD RCM handles eligibility, coding, documentation, denials and follow-up end to end — so the details behind terms like this one are managed for you, not left to chance.
Request a free billing reviewRecoupment — frequently asked questions
Often as an offset that reduces a later remittance, rather than a separate refund request, so it must be traced to the original claim.
Yes. If the basis is incorrect, a recoupment can be appealed, but it needs to be identified and worked promptly.