The medical billing process can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to clearly understand the process and what is involved to ensure that billing is done correctly and promptly. Below are key steps for a successful medical billing process.
Patient Check-in and Scheduling
This step of medical billing in Fort Lauderdale includes ensuring that all required information is collected from the patient during check-in. This includes verifying insurance coverage, collecting copayments, and scheduling future appointments. During this process, it is important to accurately collect and input the patient’s information into the system. Some practices use patient kiosks to avoid errors where patients can input their own information.
Medical Coding
The next medical billing in Fort Lauderdale step involves converting the physician’s diagnosis and services into numeric codes. These codes are then used to generate the patient’s bill. The codes must be accurate to avoid billing errors. For example, using the wrong code for a procedure could result in the patient being billed for a more expensive procedure than what was performed.
Charge Entry
The third medical billing and management services in Fort Lauderdale step involves inputting the charges for the services rendered into the system. This includes both the physician’s charges and any lab or radiology charges. It is important to input the charges to avoid billing errors accurately. For example, if a lab test is performed, but the charge is not entered into the system, the patient will not be billed for the service, and the practice will not be reimbursed.
Generating the Patient’s Bill
Once all the charges have been entered into the system, the patient’s bill can be generated. This medical billing and management services in Fort Lauderdale step will itemize all of the services performed along with the associated charges. The bill will then be sent to the patient for payment.
Claims Submission
This step involves submitting the claim to the patient’s insurance company. The insurance company will review the claim and determine if the patient’s insurance plan covers the services. If the services are covered, the insurance company will process the claim and reimburse the provider for the services rendered.
Payment Posting
This step involves posting payments from the insurance company to the patient’s account. This can be time-consuming if the insurance company pays for services in batches rather than individual claims. Once the payments have been posted, any remaining balance owed by the patient can be invoiced.
Accounts Receivable Follow-up
This last revenue cycle management medical billing step involves following up with patients with outstanding account balances. This may include sending statements, making phone calls, or sending emails. Some practices also offer payment plans to patients who cannot pay their balance in full. Additional steps, such as sending the account to a collection agency, may be taken for patients who do not respond to attempts to collect payment.
The revenue cycle management medical billing process can be complex, but following these key steps will help ensure that billing is done promptly. J3 Revenue Cycle Management is a medical billing company that can help you with all aspects of the medical billing process. We can help you streamline your billing process and improve your revenue cycle. Contact J3 Revenue Cycle Management today to learn more about our services.
