Recently, ABC News reported on the findings of a group of auditors who were hired by insurance companies to review patient bills. They found that an astounding 90 percent of those bills contained errors that often cause patients unnecessary stress and financial hardship. Here are three ways to avoid making these common medical billing errors.
Double-Check Patient Information
When submitting a claim to the insurance company for medical services rendered, every detail of the patient’s information must be entered correctly. If even one digit is off from the individual’s social security number or insurance ID number, the claim will be denied. It may take an extra minute or two, but reviewing what you’ve entered into the computer can save you a headache in the long run.
Verify the Insurance
Whether the patient is a new or returning client, you need to verify the insurance and get a physical copy of the patient’s insurance card. Always check the effective date and coverage period first, then verify any deductibles or copayments due at the time of service. If there are any questions as to the validity of the insurance, call the company directly to confirm before submitting any claim.
Review Diagnosis and Procedure Codes
Invalid or incorrect codes are billing errors that result in claim denials or incorrect patient charges for services. It is easy to mis-enter information here, so it may be helpful to have another staff member review each code to ensure it is correct before continuing.
Other issues, such as sloppy documentation, annual code changes, and duplicate billing can also lead to errors. The best way to avoid these mistakes is to be thorough and take your time when double-checking the information. This type of review should also be used when prescribing the use of mobile cardiac monitors to determine a patient’s heart health. Call ReactDx at 800-234-3278 to learn more about this piece of equipment, or read our News & Updates page to keep up-to-date on the latest studies.
