Many practices outsource their medical billing to relieve pressure on their internal team. A medical billing company will help code procedures, prepare claims, and coordinate with insurance companies. We’ve previously written about the benefits of outsourcing your medical billing [link to article], but in this post, we’d like to highlight 3 little-known services a medical billing company can (and should) provide to your practice.
Maybe you didn’t know a medical billing company could adapt to your current billing software, deliver patient statements, or consult on your practice’s rates. If these services are important to you, use this criteria to narrow the search as you research the best fit for your practice.
What Do You Need From Your Medical Billing Company?
- Adapt to your current billing software: Outsourcing doesn’t have to mean switching to a new billing system. Not all medical billing companies have the flexibility to adapt to your system, but some do, and it’s the best-case scenario for your practice.Gables Medical Billing adapts to our clients’ existing software set-up because it’s inconvenient and time-consuming to switch systems – and many times not necessary. This not only saves time but gives clients peace of mind knowing they have access to their data at all times.
- Deliver patient statements: Some medical billing companies will generate patient statements on behalf of the practice. Our team at Gables Medical Billing sends out patient statements for bills we’ve submitted to the carriers. If there’s been no response or payment from the patient in 30 days, we send a second statement and subsequent statements at the 60-day and 90-day marks. When the patient is ready to pay, we either accept payment or help make the necessary payment arrangements.
In the same vein, medical billing companies will often answer patients’ questions or concerns about a particular claim. This takes the burden off your internal team, who may not have the answers the patient seeks, especially if they’re unable to explain the insurance company’s reasoning.
- Rate consulting: In many cases, the practice determines its own rates and tells their medical billing company what they charge for patient procedures. But did you know that some medical billing companies offer guidance or consulting services for front-office processes like determining rates? This is especially helpful if you’re opening a new practice and aren’t as familiar with the proper billing rates.At Gables Medical Billing, we have advised our clients when they were charging too much, and subsequently getting denied by payers, and also when they were charging too little for their location or experience. Medical billing companies often have a wealth of knowledge and experience to lean on when it comes to setting rates.
Takeaway
When you outsource billing, your medical billing company should be a resource to you in more ways than one. This is why we’ve highlighted these lesser-known services that GMB is more than happy to provide to our clients. Do your research and be sure to ask whether the biller will adapt to your systems, deliver patient statements, or offer guidance when it comes to determining rates.
Do you have questions about outsourcing? Send us a message or call us at 786-725-2120 (Toll Free 855-469-1422)to speak with our team and learn more about what outsourcing your medical billing could mean for your practice.