Problem | Solution |
Waiting on Operative Notes | Generally not necessary to attach operative notes to a claim form for most payors; Exception: Using the -22 modifier or billing an unlisted procedure code; Develop proper communication system with doctor to bill charges without using the operative note. |
Poor Communication Between Doctor and Billing Staff | Improve current communication methodology; Success will often depend on cooperation of physician; Consider using a scribe to follow doctor, having doctor carry miniature charge cards, or recording charges onto a hospital/surgical charge ticket when he or she arrives back in the office. |
Personnel | Poor personnel can lead to billing problems; Knowledge of CPT, ICD-9, medical terminology, and billing rules requires a special individual; Be careful during the hiring process. |
Delay in Doctor Dictation | Some offices just want to rely on a medical record to do their billing; Claims get delayed in these situations when the doctor is behind in his or her dictation; Best solution is tying financial figures to the problem-i.e. Showing the impact on cash flow due to doctor delays. |
Holding Claim Forms | Some practices hold claim forms so the facility or possibly another health care provider will get assessed the patient’s deductible; Should not be necessary if proper patient communication tools and practice policies are in place; Attempt to collect at time of regular office visit or preoperative visit once insurance has been verified. |
Medical Practice Management
