How chiropractors can speed up the cycle of getting paid by implementing simple pre-claim solutions, even if you’re using billing software.
If you are using chiropractic billing software, then you know how much electronic claims submission, posting and processing can improve the speed of your reimbursement cycle. But even with the advantages of technology, there’s always room for improvement.
In particular, let’s look at some of the things you can do during the pre-claims process to speed up the cycle of getting paid and increase efficiency.
1. Verify Insurance Eligibility
Rarely will you find a chiropractic office manager or staff member who will proclaim a deep passion for verifying insurance eligibility. It might even be impossible. But those who avoid the verifying process will inevitably run into some serious issues. You can be the most accurate in the world at coding, but you won’t get paid if a patient’s coverage is lapsed or the payer doesn’t cover your service.
This is why the most important first action item in your claim revenue cycle is to double check eligibility prior to every new patient appointment. In addition, ensure eligibility for returning patients who haven’t visited your office in awhile. Is this a fun process? No. But it’s absolutely necessary if you want to be as efficient and profitable as possible.
2. Don’t Skip Pre-Authorization
If applicable, complete the pre-authorization process. If there are pre-authorization requirements in place, your claims may be denied – even if a patient has the chiropractic benefits on their plan. Unfortunately, if you are contracted, then pre-authorization denials mean you’re not getting paid.
3. Make Sure Data Is Accurate
Sadly, even the smallest of staff errors can impede your likelihood of getting paid. The most common types of errors are made through basic data entry mistakes during the registration process. This could include typing in the wrong insurance member number, misspelling a name, or omitting one single digit in a birth date. Incorrect demographic information leads to claim denials. And although you can submit a corrected claim to rectify the situation, it’s more wasted time (and money). If you insist on accurate data entry from the get go, you’ll see the benefits in the long run.
4. Scrub, Scrub, Scrub
Take advantage of using claim scrubbing services offered by clearinghouses and practice management system vendors with the capabilities to catch errors before the claim goes to the payer. The scrubbing process is a quick one, and can catch the tiniest of errors and inaccurate coding combinations.
5. Partner with Billing Experts
Speaking of inaccurate coding combinations, staying current with codes and identify billing trends is virtually impossible for chiropractic office managers and staff managers. The billing process is complicated, stressful, and can change on a dime. Partnering with chiropractic billing experts who do all the hard work for you is well worth the investment. They will stay current with coding and monitor payer habits, rules and trends across the nation while ensuring immediate client billing.
6. Meet Those Deadlines
Nobody likes to be under a deadline, but when it comes to filing your claims, meeting them is a must. In general, you’ll have one year from the date of service to file your claims (for many but not all payers). Knowing this can help you breathe a little easier, but it can also lead to major procrastination. And before you know it, you’re behind and facing piles of claims to file on your desk. If necessary, create your own in-house deadlines or goals for filing that pre-date those of the payer.
Do You Need Help?
By improving the pre-claim process and implementing simple solutions, your practice can increase efficiency and see an improved rate of paid claims. If you’re interested in finding out more about how chiropractic insurance and billing experts can streamline your billing process and increase your revenue, contact ACOM Health at (866) 286-5315.