A good billing agency can make or break a medical practice. Physicians and office managers can choose among qualified medical billing companies in Fort Wayne in their area. They may elect an offshore company as well if costs are an issue. In any case, costing is central to the back office and is often neglected by busy staff. Use the following rules to guide your decision.
First and foremost, you will need to survey the basic business services offered to see if they meet your essential criteria. You may have limited or comprehensive needs This will narrow the field down considerably. Then you can elect to go with a local company, a national one, or even an offshore enterprise. Small shops can do just as good a job in many cases and the customer service is very personalized. Decide what is most important to you as a physician.
Next you want timeliness and reliability. You want people who know all types of billing and can follow up promptly. You want accuracy of claims submissions and good tracking skills. Good reporting goes without saying. Aggressive follow up means more revenues for your own business and less lag time in collecting. It means a solid relationship with vendors such as insurance companies or the government in the case of Medicare. It also entails tenacity and sticking to principles for optimal results.
An active agency is the answer to a practice's prayers. Staff that is trained and professional can achieve more in a shorter period of time. They can work with patients for post-insurance balances and to devise payment plans. They don't miss technicalities and adhere always to HIPAA laws (established by the federal government in 1006). Keeping up to date guarantees accuracy and expediency.
HIPAA is a set of laws established in 1996 by the federal government. They pertain to privacy and the protection of patient information. Ask about the agency's knowledge of these rules and how they comply.
There are many questions to ask your prospective billing service including speed of filing and meeting insurance claim due dates. Of course you will discuss fees in depth and determine the best options for your practice. Some companies prefer a flat rate while others opt for a percentage of earnings. The former is most likely the best choice and most cost effective.
Also ask about specialty focus as it may be the best route to revenues for a given practice. Generally, however, medical billing has a universal protocol and diagnoses coding. Other factors may therefore be more relevant such as accessibility of staff, top tier facilities such as equipment that interfaces with ASP and Unix systems, and general experience in the field.
Selecting a good medical agency can make or break a business by controlling cash flow. Talk about their philosophy in managing your revenue stream. Match up your requirements with their skills for optimal results. It can mean the difference between a weak or strong practice.
First and foremost, you will need to survey the basic business services offered to see if they meet your essential criteria. You may have limited or comprehensive needs This will narrow the field down considerably. Then you can elect to go with a local company, a national one, or even an offshore enterprise. Small shops can do just as good a job in many cases and the customer service is very personalized. Decide what is most important to you as a physician.
Next you want timeliness and reliability. You want people who know all types of billing and can follow up promptly. You want accuracy of claims submissions and good tracking skills. Good reporting goes without saying. Aggressive follow up means more revenues for your own business and less lag time in collecting. It means a solid relationship with vendors such as insurance companies or the government in the case of Medicare. It also entails tenacity and sticking to principles for optimal results.
An active agency is the answer to a practice's prayers. Staff that is trained and professional can achieve more in a shorter period of time. They can work with patients for post-insurance balances and to devise payment plans. They don't miss technicalities and adhere always to HIPAA laws (established by the federal government in 1006). Keeping up to date guarantees accuracy and expediency.
HIPAA is a set of laws established in 1996 by the federal government. They pertain to privacy and the protection of patient information. Ask about the agency's knowledge of these rules and how they comply.
There are many questions to ask your prospective billing service including speed of filing and meeting insurance claim due dates. Of course you will discuss fees in depth and determine the best options for your practice. Some companies prefer a flat rate while others opt for a percentage of earnings. The former is most likely the best choice and most cost effective.
Also ask about specialty focus as it may be the best route to revenues for a given practice. Generally, however, medical billing has a universal protocol and diagnoses coding. Other factors may therefore be more relevant such as accessibility of staff, top tier facilities such as equipment that interfaces with ASP and Unix systems, and general experience in the field.
Selecting a good medical agency can make or break a business by controlling cash flow. Talk about their philosophy in managing your revenue stream. Match up your requirements with their skills for optimal results. It can mean the difference between a weak or strong practice.