As a business owner, it’s important to be aware of common medical billing mistakes that can occur during the billing process.
By knowing what these mistakes are and how to avoid them, you can help ensure that your business receives timely and accurate payments for services rendered. In this article, we will discuss six common medical billing mistakes to avoid in order to improve your bottom line.
1. Incorrect Or Missing Patient Information
One of the most common medical billing mistakes is submitting incorrect or incomplete patient information. This can include everything from missing insurance information to incorrect social security numbers. Make sure to take the time to verify all patient information before submitting a claim, and be sure to keep your files up-to-date with any changes.
In addition, always make copies of pertinent patient documentation (insurance cards, driver’s license, etc.
) and keep them on file in case you need to reference them later. This will help ensure that there are no delays in processing your claims.
2. Incorrect Code Usage
Another common mistake is using the incorrect code when billing for services. This can lead to claim denials and long delays in getting paid. Make sure you are familiar with the correct codes for the services you are providing, and use only those codes when submitting claims.
If you are unsure of which code to use, consult with a medical billing specialist or your coding software vendor. They should be able to help you find the right code for the service provided, according to ultimatemedical.edu.
In addition, always make sure to keep your coding manuals up-to-date so that you have the most current information available.
3. Duplicate Charges
Duplicate charges are another common issue that can lead to delays in getting paid. This often happens when providers submit multiple claims for the same service. Make sure you are familiar with your insurance company’s billing guidelines, and only submit a claim once for each service provided.
If you do need to resubmit a claim due to a denial or other reason, be sure to use the appropriate correction code so that it is processed correctly.
Remember also to keep track of any services that have been billed twice so that you can correct them if necessary.
4. Charges For Services Not Rendered
It’s also common for providers to receive a bill for services that were not actually provided. This can happen when insurance companies deny a claim or when patients do not pay their bills.
To avoid this, make sure you have a system in place to track services rendered and those that have yet to be paid. This will help ensure that you are only billing for services that have been provided.
If you do find yourself with charges for services not rendered, take the time to investigate why they occurred and take corrective action as necessary.
5. Unbundled Charges
Another common billing mistake is submitting charges for services that aren’t bundled. This happens when providers bill separately for each individual service they provide, rather than submitting a single claim for the entire visit.
To avoid this, make sure you are familiar with your insurance company’s guidelines for bundling services. Most companies will only pay a single claim for visits that include multiple services. If you need to submit separate claims for individual services, be sure to use the appropriate modifier code so that it is processed correctly.
Avoid These Common Medical Billing Mistakes
As you can see, there are plenty of mistakes you can make during the medical billing process. With that said, avoid these common medical billing mistakes to ensure a smooth process.
Do you want to learn more about medical billing and coding? If so, check out more of our blog’s helpful articles.
Also Read: Facing A Massive Hike In Health Insurance Premiums? Here’s What You Can Do
