When selecting a medical billing service, it's essential to keep in mind that your billing provider will act as an extension of your practice; for this reason, it's wise to consider a number of variables when reviewing a potential provider. Working as a medical biller requires an in-depth comprehension of how to read medical bills, how to properly use and interpret standardized codes, and how to follow up on medical billing claims. Billers must therefore be well-versed in all aspects of the health care industry. Additionally, medical billing service providers must be adept at communicating with medical practitioners, insurance companies, and patients alike. Medical billing is an incresingly popular occupation, and making a choice in such a competitive field may not be easy; however, by keeping certaing guidelines in mind, you can rest assured that your needs will be met. Remember, your medical billing service will be responsible for making sure that you are properly compensated for your valuable services, so choose carefully!
Medical Billing Service Providers
One important consideration in choosing a medical billing service is the experience level of your provider. Look for a medical billing service that has plenty of previous experience, including a history of dealing with your specific kind of practice. This will ensure that your biller understand the codes, procedures and protocol that are unique to your field of medicine, and will facilitate the billing process. You should also find out whether your provider has any prior knowledge of or experience with the insurance companies that you work with and the state or states you practice in, as these factors can also affect the particulars of the medical billing procedure.
Proper Medical Billing Service Compliance
After determining your medical billing service provider's level of experience, you should ask whether they are HIPAA compliant, since they will be handling your patients' sensitive health-related information. The HIPAA, or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, protects the security and privacy of health data, so it's of the utmost importance that your medical biller understands and adheres to the standards it sets forth. Similarly, your billing provider should already be equipped to work with the National Provider Identifier (NPI) system, which assigns a 10-digit number to all health care businesses for use by insurance companies. The NPI system was officially implemented in May 2008, so any competent billing company will already be well-acclimated to its intricacies.
Medical Billing Service Software & Technology
Other concerns that must be addressed before you decide to employ a particular medical billing service include the service's technological capabilities, including what kind of billing software they use and whether their computer system is up-to-date and running smoothly; the expertise of the company's staff, with regards to the type of training they receive and how frequently they are educated in the industry's changing codes, standards and regulations; and whether it is easy or difficult to communicate with the service, both in terms of the staff's ability to speak English and understand cultural subtleties (if you choose an offshore billing service) and in relation to their tendency to provide accurate, thorough feedback in a timely fashion. Since your medical billing service will truly function as an extension of your main office, it's necessary to constantly monitor both how pleased your patients are with the provider's services and how well the service is performing according to your own standards.
Conduct a Reference Check
Perhaps the most accurate way to determine which medical billing service will prove to be the best fit with your practice is to ask each potential provider for references. Take care to request references to practices that are similar to your own, both in size and type, and follow through on contacting them. An efficiently run, professional medical billing service will be well spoken of by other health care professionals, and by utilizing their recommendations, your own decision will be easier. With just a little thought and careful consideration, you can find the medical billing service that is right for you!
Other Articles:
Medical Billing Services
Billing Coding Career
Medical Billing Business
