A good billing agency can make or break a medical practice. Physicians and office managers can choose among qualified medical billing companies in Fort Wayne in their area. They may elect an offshore company as well if costs are an issue. In any case, costing is central to the back office and is often neglected by busy staff. Use the following rules to guide your decision.
Your first priority will be the various business services offered. Are they limited or comprehensive and in either case do they meet your needs? Ask to see a description along with testimonials regarding results. Weigh all factors uniformly to find a great match. You may have a preference as to the size of an agency depending upon the quality of the customer service and communication. If it makes a difference to you, it should be on your check list. Each type of business has its assets and you may want a variety of back-office services for everyday tasks.
When comparing companies, you will want to ask for testimonials. Of course, you expect them to be positive. You will also want to know the scale of the typical practice. Aggressive follow up should be noted as it will impact revenues on a regular basis. Having good skills with insurance company reps goes without saying. It can make or break the relationship. Collection staff must be persistent and tenacious to prevail. The ability to contact the right government officials for Medicare claims is a plus.
An active agency is the answer to a practice's prayers. Staff that is trained and professional can achieve more in a shorter period of time. They can work with patients for post-insurance balances and to devise payment plans. They don't miss technicalities and adhere always to HIPAA laws (established by the federal government in 1006). Keeping up to date guarantees accuracy and expediency.
HIPAA is a set of laws established in 1996 by the federal government. They pertain to privacy and the protection of patient information. Ask about the agency's knowledge of these rules and how they comply.
Some agencies specialize in a particular branch of medicine. This may or may not matter to you as long as the company uses a standard protocol and observes insurance claim filing due dates. It is also important that your reps communicate regularly and are accessible when it is needed. It may be more important to have a professional trained staff than experts in your medical field. Most quality firms understand ASP and Unix billing systems and of course the updated insurance codes for diagnoses.
An understanding of ASP and Unix-based systems is a plus. Furthermore, any agency must know all medical diagnosis codes for insurance purposes. Experience in the field may count more than a specific specialty. Keeping up to date is relevant. Ask about training programs for staff and how they stay current with the laws. Finally, ask about the technological resources used by the business and the equipment that interfaces with Palm and PDA billing. Everything has its important place in the larger scheme of things.
Selecting a good medical agency can make or break a business by controlling cash flow. Talk about their philosophy in managing your revenue stream. Match up your requirements with their skills for optimal results. It can mean the difference between a weak or strong practice.
Your first priority will be the various business services offered. Are they limited or comprehensive and in either case do they meet your needs? Ask to see a description along with testimonials regarding results. Weigh all factors uniformly to find a great match. You may have a preference as to the size of an agency depending upon the quality of the customer service and communication. If it makes a difference to you, it should be on your check list. Each type of business has its assets and you may want a variety of back-office services for everyday tasks.
When comparing companies, you will want to ask for testimonials. Of course, you expect them to be positive. You will also want to know the scale of the typical practice. Aggressive follow up should be noted as it will impact revenues on a regular basis. Having good skills with insurance company reps goes without saying. It can make or break the relationship. Collection staff must be persistent and tenacious to prevail. The ability to contact the right government officials for Medicare claims is a plus.
An active agency is the answer to a practice's prayers. Staff that is trained and professional can achieve more in a shorter period of time. They can work with patients for post-insurance balances and to devise payment plans. They don't miss technicalities and adhere always to HIPAA laws (established by the federal government in 1006). Keeping up to date guarantees accuracy and expediency.
HIPAA is a set of laws established in 1996 by the federal government. They pertain to privacy and the protection of patient information. Ask about the agency's knowledge of these rules and how they comply.
Some agencies specialize in a particular branch of medicine. This may or may not matter to you as long as the company uses a standard protocol and observes insurance claim filing due dates. It is also important that your reps communicate regularly and are accessible when it is needed. It may be more important to have a professional trained staff than experts in your medical field. Most quality firms understand ASP and Unix billing systems and of course the updated insurance codes for diagnoses.
An understanding of ASP and Unix-based systems is a plus. Furthermore, any agency must know all medical diagnosis codes for insurance purposes. Experience in the field may count more than a specific specialty. Keeping up to date is relevant. Ask about training programs for staff and how they stay current with the laws. Finally, ask about the technological resources used by the business and the equipment that interfaces with Palm and PDA billing. Everything has its important place in the larger scheme of things.
Selecting a good medical agency can make or break a business by controlling cash flow. Talk about their philosophy in managing your revenue stream. Match up your requirements with their skills for optimal results. It can mean the difference between a weak or strong practice.