Medical billing is a crucial aspect of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. It involves the process of submitting medical claims to insurance providers, receiving reimbursements, and managing patient billing statements. However, medical billing can be a time-consuming and complicated task, especially for small practices with limited resources.
Outsourcing medical billing services has become an increasingly popular solution for healthcare providers. In this article, we will explore why outsourcing medical billing services makes sense, including its benefits and considerations.
What is Outsourcing Medical Billing?
Outsourced Medical billing involves hiring a third-party billing company to handle the medical billing process on behalf of a healthcare provider. These companies typically have specialized staff, software, and technology to manage the billing process efficiently and accurately.
Benefits of Outsourcing Medical Billing
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Increased Revenue
Outsourcing medical billing can improve a healthcare provider’s revenue by reducing billing errors, improving claim accuracy, and accelerating the reimbursement process. Third-party billing companies can also help identify underpayments and denials, enabling healthcare providers to claim the correct reimbursements they are entitled to.
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Improved Billing Efficiency
Outsourcing medical billing can free up valuable time and resources for healthcare providers, allowing them to focus on their core competencies. Third-party billing companies are equipped with specialized software and technology, allowing them to manage the billing process quickly and accurately. This can lead to reduced billing cycles and faster reimbursements.
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Expertise and Compliance
Medical billing is a complex and constantly changing process that requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Third-party billing companies are experts in the field and stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and compliance standards. By outsourcing medical billing, healthcare providers can ensure that their billing practices comply with regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.
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Cost Savings
Outsourced Medical billing can lead to significant cost savings for healthcare providers. By outsourcing, healthcare providers can avoid the costs associated with hiring and training in-house billing staff, purchasing specialized software and technology, and maintaining billing systems. Additionally, third-party billing companies can identify and correct billing errors, reducing the risk of lost revenue and the need for costly appeals.
Considerations to Outsourced Medical Billing
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Quality and Experience
When selecting a third-party billing company, healthcare providers must ensure that the company has the expertise, experience, and quality of service needed to manage its billing processes effectively.
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Communication and Data Security
Healthcare providers must ensure that the third-party billing company they choose has robust communication and data security protocols in place to protect sensitive patient information.
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Contractual Agreements
Healthcare providers must carefully review contractual agreements with third-party billing companies to ensure that the billing process is transparent and cost-effective.
Understanding Different Types of Medical Billing Codes
Introduction to Medical Billing Codes
Medical billing codes are used to classify services and procedures in order to accurately record them for billing purposes. Medical billing codes are also known as diagnosis codes, procedure codes, or CPT codes. These codes are used by insurance companies and government agencies to determine reimbursement for healthcare services rendered.
Types of Medical Billing Codes
There are several types of medical billing codes used in the healthcare industry. These codes are used to describe the type of service provided, the diagnosis, and the procedure performed.
1. Diagnosis Codes
Diagnosis codes are used to diagnose a patient’s condition. They are also known as ICD codes (International Classification of Diseases). These codes are used to classify diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions. They are used to document the patient’s condition and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate treatment and reimbursement.
2. Procedure Codes
Procedure codes are used to describe medical services and procedures. They are also known as CPT codes (Current Procedural Terminology). These codes are used to document the type of services provided and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate reimbursement.
3. HCPCS Codes
HCPCS codes (Health Care Common Procedure Coding System) are used to describe durable medical equipment, supplies, and other non-physician services. These codes are used to document the type of services and supplies provided and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate reimbursement.
4. NDC Codes
NDC codes (National Drug Codes) are used to describe medications. These codes are used to document the type of medications provided and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate reimbursement.
5. UB-04 Codes
UB-04 codes (Uniform Billing) are used to describe the type of facility where services were provided. These codes are used to document the type of facility where services were provided and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate reimbursement.
6. Revenue Codes
Revenue codes are used to classify services for medical billing and reimbursement purposes. These codes are used to document the type of services provided and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate reimbursement.
7. DRG Codes
DRG codes (Diagnosis Related Groups) are used to classify hospital services for reimbursement purposes. These codes are used to document the type of hospital services provided and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate reimbursement.
8. POS Codes
POS codes (Place of Service) are used to classify where services were provided. These codes are used to document the type of facility where services were provided and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate reimbursement. continue from heading 8
9. E&M Codes
E&M codes (Evaluation and Management) are used to classify office visits, consultations, and other services provided in an outpatient setting. These codes are used to document the type of services provided and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate reimbursement.
10. HCFA-1500 Codes
HCFA-1500 codes are used to classify services for reimbursement purposes. These codes are used to document the type of services provided and provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate reimbursement.
Best Medical Billing Services Near You
Medical billing services are essential for every healthcare practitioner, but It’s difficult and expensive to have in-house medical billing. Doctors prefer Outsourced Medical billing to focus on patient care. It helps them focus on more important things, like looking after the patients. Additionally, outsourcing medical billing reduces your business expenses and increases revenue.
However, finding a service provider that meets all your requirements is challenging. But not anymore; we have listed some of the best medical billing services providers to save you time and effort in searching.
GreenSense Billing
GreenSense Billing claims to have the highest possible success with insurance claims. Think about having someone working for your business. GreenSense Billing claims to have the highest possible success with insurance claims.
GreenSense Billing also has its own EMR software. The straightforward interface of the software makes it easier for non-technical people to operate it too. The EMR software includes everything you might need for invoicing and medical billing. Another noticeable feature of the EMR software is that it detects coding errors on the medical bills, so you don’t end up sending errored insurance claims.
GreenSense Billing works with all kinds of practices. If you are just starting or have been in the healthcare business for years, GreenSense Billing offers packages for both conditions. However, It does not provide initial coding. You will have to hire a professional medical coder.
Athenahealth Collector
Athenahealth Collector is best when it comes to guiding medical billers. It is software created by Athenahealth that is fully automated. It also checks the medical bills for coding errors. Even if your staff missed a mistake on the insurance claim, you could rely on the collector to save you from denied claims.
The software’s user interface is graphical, making it easy to use. You can automate your medical bills right away without wasting any time. Also, Athenahealth does not bind you to any long-term contract, unlike other medical billing service providers. With an easy and open 90-day contract, you can test out this collector to experience the wonders it does to your medical billing process.
Apart from this, it is also budget-friendly. You wouldn’t be spending a huge amount of money just for the software. However, the software is not designed for users who use or are looking for a third-party medical billing service.
CareCloud
CareCloud is another prominent option in the medical billing services business. The best thing about CareCloud is that they offer customized pricing plans, depending upon the size of your business. It saves you from paying for those extra features you are not using now.
CareCloud does not have a huge medical billing amount. It only charges you a crumb of what you make. However, the startup fee is a heavy amount, but you’ll have to pay it once. CareCloud also offers matching EMR software to enable automation in your medical billing process. The coding results of CareCloud are also extraordinary, which means you can rely on it for your medical coding needs.
On the other hand, CareCloud offers its services with a minimum commitment of one year. Also, it requires you to maintain a monthly limit of medical billing.
DrChrono
DrChrono is another famous name that doctors and healthcare professionals trust. It is because it offers all services, including EMR software, practice management, and billing services. DrChrono is more famous among small and private practitioners because that is their target audience.
One of the other pronounced features of DrChrono is that it generates medical codes for you. You wouldn’t have to hire an in-house medical coder. DrChrono can effectively take care of all of your medical coding requirements. The EMR software of DrChrono works great with both general practices and specialists. But the best thing about DrChrono is that you don’t have to meet a monthly minimum limit if you are a small practitioner. It’s a special feature that is only available for small practices.
Furthermore, it can handle insurance claims from start to end, keeping an eye on every step of the process. But, to use many of the features of DrChrono, you will need to subscribe to its EMR software too. And, it’s not very efficient with larger practices. Read more
