Medical Billing and Medical Coding often get lumped together as one. These items are related, and not always done by the same person, though sometimes the responsibilities could fall under one person. Both of these processes translate a practitioner’s diagnosis and treatment into standardized codes, which are sent to the insurer and pertinent government agencies. The coding ensures the treatment received matches the insurance billing and government standards. Medical billers and coders ensure healthcare providers receive payment.
Medical Coders initiate the payment process by recording patient data. The coding happens in ICD-10, CM, HCPS Level II and CPT. This coding system ensures everyone who touches a patient’s records has the same understanding of the diagnosis and procedures and treatment ordered. Also, this coding system ensures that all codes are correct and pertain to the diagnosis.
Medical Billers read and review medical records and translate such into a bill. Billers then keep track of the bill to ensure it gets paid. The Biller also has to ensure accuracy and fast reimbursement from the patient’s insurance and could begin the process even before the appointment.
If you find your team scrambling to make sure a clean claim is filed and that you’re paid in a timely manner it might be time to call Gables Medical Billing. We’ll be happy to ensure that the revenue cycle is seamless, from filing the claim to receiving timely payments.