Practice Management Alert
Spearhead Your Denial Management Efforts With a 'Top 10' Rejections List
Sharing 'Top 10' information in physician-staff meetings can help eliminate the cause of y... Read more
Sharing 'Top 10' information in physician-staff meetings can help eliminate the cause of y... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Catch Up on the Latest Incident-To Clarification
Warning: Your definition of 'supervising physician' may not match Medicare's You apply the... Read more
Catch Up on the Latest Incident-To Clarification
Warning: Your definition of 'supervising physician' may not match Medicare's You apply the... Read more
Sample Appeal Letter:
Fight Unbundling Denials With This Template
Customize this expert letter with supporting evidence, and your appeal will be ready to go... Read more
Fight Unbundling Denials With This Template
Customize this expert letter with supporting evidence, and your appeal will be ready to go... Read more
Meet the Healthcare Plan Promising Payment in 72 Hours
Financial planners need to know this payment option for uninsured patients Waiting is no ... Read more
Financial planners need to know this payment option for uninsured patients Waiting is no ... Read more
New Codes Are Key to Billing 'Welcome to Medicare' Exam
New Medicare beneficiaries will now have better preventive-care coverageProviders still ar... Read more
New Medicare beneficiaries will now have better preventive-care coverageProviders still ar... Read more
Do These 'Top 10' Denials Look Familiar?
Good news: The most common rejections are also some of the easiest to appeal and preventOu... Read more
Good news: The most common rejections are also some of the easiest to appeal and preventOu... Read more
Prevent Denials This Holiday Season With -Q5 and -Q6
Take control of your vacationing provider's billing by mastering reciprocal billing and lo... Read more
Take control of your vacationing provider's billing by mastering reciprocal billing and lo... Read more
Hit the Ground Running in January:
Make 2005 Changes Now
The 11th hour is here for crucial charge master and super bill adjustmentsAs the end of 20... Read more
Make 2005 Changes Now
The 11th hour is here for crucial charge master and super bill adjustmentsAs the end of 20... Read more
December's Recipe for Billing Success
If You're Not Reporting Venipuncture, You're Poking a Hole in Reimbursement Payment for ... Read more
If You're Not Reporting Venipuncture, You're Poking a Hole in Reimbursement Payment for ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider Medicare Obligations Before Establishing Discounts
Question: Last month you printed a Reader Question titled "Day-of-Service Discounts Must B... Read more
Consider Medicare Obligations Before Establishing Discounts
Question: Last month you printed a Reader Question titled "Day-of-Service Discounts Must B... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Lose Out on Discharges by Forgetting 99239
Question: When our physicians discharge patients from the hospital, is 99238 the only code... Read more
Don't Lose Out on Discharges by Forgetting 99239
Question: When our physicians discharge patients from the hospital, is 99238 the only code... Read more
Reader Questions:
Boost Pay on Past-Due Accounts With a Collections Timetable
Question: Our in-house collections procedure is not as regimented as it could be. How many... Read more
Boost Pay on Past-Due Accounts With a Collections Timetable
Question: Our in-house collections procedure is not as regimented as it could be. How many... Read more
Weak Contract Negotiations Equal Weak Profits:
Sharpen Both With 12 Tips
Hint: Establish a timeline for contract completion - and stick to itInsurance carriers may... Read more
Sharpen Both With 12 Tips
Hint: Establish a timeline for contract completion - and stick to itInsurance carriers may... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Late Effect or Acute Condition - Can You Code the Difference?
Expedite your MVA claims with late effects codes If you don't know when and how to re... Read more
Late Effect or Acute Condition - Can You Code the Difference?
Expedite your MVA claims with late effects codes If you don't know when and how to re... Read more
Hiring Tool:
Assess Potential New Employees With This Questionnaire
A few questions can go a long way in helping you determine a biller's competence and exper... Read more
Assess Potential New Employees With This Questionnaire
A few questions can go a long way in helping you determine a biller's competence and exper... Read more
Adjust Your Schedule to Guard Against No-Shows
2 tactics help you solve empty appointment slots and lost incomeIf no-show patients cause ... Read more
2 tactics help you solve empty appointment slots and lost incomeIf no-show patients cause ... Read more
Stay Compliant:
Learn to Manage E-Mails With PHI
Save messages in paper form to eliminate confusionIf you don't control the flow of e-PHI t... Read more
Learn to Manage E-Mails With PHI
Save messages in paper form to eliminate confusionIf you don't control the flow of e-PHI t... Read more
November's Recipe for Billing Success
Sometimes a little extra documentation can go a long way toward justifying a higher level ... Read more
Sometimes a little extra documentation can go a long way toward justifying a higher level ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Day-of-Service Discounts Must Be Compliant
Question: Is it OK if we have a set exam fee and then offer a 15 percent discount to patie... Read more
Day-of-Service Discounts Must Be Compliant
Question: Is it OK if we have a set exam fee and then offer a 15 percent discount to patie... Read more
Reader Questions:
E/M With Mental-Health Counseling? Always Record Times
Question: Our family-practice physicians often treat patients with mental-health condition... Read more
E/M With Mental-Health Counseling? Always Record Times
Question: Our family-practice physicians often treat patients with mental-health condition... Read more
Reader Questions:
Specialize Your Op Report When Using -22
Question: We often experience delays in payment or partial denials when we use modifier -2... Read more
Specialize Your Op Report When Using -22
Question: We often experience delays in payment or partial denials when we use modifier -2... Read more
Maximize Your Office Collection Success With These 6 Tools
Use this checklist to make sure your collections arsenal is stocked and readyIf your in-of... Read more
Use this checklist to make sure your collections arsenal is stocked and readyIf your in-of... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Prevention Makes No-Shows No Problem
Check out these ideas for protecting your revenue from no-show patientsSure there are vali... Read more
Prevention Makes No-Shows No Problem
Check out these ideas for protecting your revenue from no-show patientsSure there are vali... Read more
PPOs 101:
Make Educated Decisions With These 3 Expert Q&As
You may deal with preferred provider organizations every day - but understanding them is t... Read more
Make Educated Decisions With These 3 Expert Q&As
You may deal with preferred provider organizations every day - but understanding them is t... Read more
ICD-9 and CPT Reminder:
Don't Get Caught Unprepared for New Codes
Oct. 1 and Jan. 1 are the key dates Coding changes are happening this month - and more ar... Read more
Don't Get Caught Unprepared for New Codes
Oct. 1 and Jan. 1 are the key dates Coding changes are happening this month - and more ar... Read more
HIPAA Question of the Month:
Know the Do's and Don'ts of NPPs
Don't sweep a revised Notice of Privacy Practices under the rug - show it offHIPAA mandate... Read more
Know the Do's and Don'ts of NPPs
Don't sweep a revised Notice of Privacy Practices under the rug - show it offHIPAA mandate... Read more
Put an End to Carrier Kickbacks on Repeat Procedures
You can stop denials in their tracks with modifiers -76 and -77You've heard it a thousand ... Read more
You can stop denials in their tracks with modifiers -76 and -77You've heard it a thousand ... Read more
Advanced Biller's Workshop, Part 3:
Does Your Fee Schedule Need Some Fine-Tuning?
This month: The last 5 steps of ou... Read more
Does Your Fee Schedule Need Some Fine-Tuning?
This month: The last 5 steps of ou... Read more
October's Recipe for Billing Success:
Initial Hospital Care Codes Are Not for Admits Only
The popular misconception among physicians and coders has been that initial hospital care ... Read more
Initial Hospital Care Codes Are Not for Admits Only
The popular misconception among physicians and coders has been that initial hospital care ... Read more
Reader Question:
Global Packages Are Not a Must for Self-Pay Patients
Question: If a patient is self-pay, do global surgical packages still apply? Can we bill s... Read more
Global Packages Are Not a Must for Self-Pay Patients
Question: If a patient is self-pay, do global surgical packages still apply? Can we bill s... Read more
Reader Question:
Check With Secondary Insurance on Coverage of Copays
Question: A patient's primary insurance had a $15 copay, which we collected from the patie... Read more
Check With Secondary Insurance on Coverage of Copays
Question: A patient's primary insurance had a $15 copay, which we collected from the patie... Read more
Reader Question:
Insurance Allowables Are Elusive, but You Can Find Them
Question: How can I find out what an insurance carrier's allowables are for certain proced... Read more
Insurance Allowables Are Elusive, but You Can Find Them
Question: How can I find out what an insurance carrier's allowables are for certain proced... Read more
Learn the Secrets for Determining Patient Status
Specialty codes can clarify multispecialty confusionYou might think you can easily differe... Read more
Specialty codes can clarify multispecialty confusionYou might think you can easily differe... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Get Paid 13 Days Sooner - Here's How
You can have your electronic claims and your paper attachments, tooIf managing paper attac... Read more
Get Paid 13 Days Sooner - Here's How
You can have your electronic claims and your paper attachments, tooIf managing paper attac... Read more
Small-Practice Spotlight:
Unhappy With Your Collections Rate? 5 Expert Tips Can Turn Your Frown Upside Down
Try collecting copays up front to reduce your burden later onA small-practice biller can s... Read more
Unhappy With Your Collections Rate? 5 Expert Tips Can Turn Your Frown Upside Down
Try collecting copays up front to reduce your burden later onA small-practice biller can s... Read more
HIPAA Question of the Month:
Protect Your Electronic Faxes From HIPAA Liability
Step up your security to prevent unauthorized disclosures of e-PHIHIPAA violations can lur... Read more
Protect Your Electronic Faxes From HIPAA Liability
Step up your security to prevent unauthorized disclosures of e-PHIHIPAA violations can lur... Read more
Get Acquainted With 4 Valid Reasons for Untimely Filing
You don't have to sacrifice your claim if a third party prevents filing on timeWhat reason... Read more
You don't have to sacrifice your claim if a third party prevents filing on timeWhat reason... Read more
Medicare News Flash:
Prepare for Less Interest on Overpayments
The future of overpayment payback looks a little bit brighter thanks to a new CMS rule eff... Read more
Prepare for Less Interest on Overpayments
The future of overpayment payback looks a little bit brighter thanks to a new CMS rule eff... Read more
Advanced Biller's Workshop, Part 2:
Does Your Fee Schedule Need Some Fine-Tuning?
This month: The next 4 steps of our in-depth 12-step solutionA fee assessment may be just ... Read more
Does Your Fee Schedule Need Some Fine-Tuning?
This month: The next 4 steps of our in-depth 12-step solutionA fee assessment may be just ... Read more
September's Recipe for Billing Success
Master Critical Care With 3 Techniques Time is crucial for reporting critical care servic... Read more
Master Critical Care With 3 Techniques Time is crucial for reporting critical care servic... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask MVA Carrier What Services It Will Cover
Question: A patient of ours was involved in a car accident and admitted to the hospital vi... Read more
Ask MVA Carrier What Services It Will Cover
Question: A patient of ours was involved in a car accident and admitted to the hospital vi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Prolonged Services Have No Place With an Infusion Code
Question: Our practice performs in-office infusions that keep the patient in the off... Read more
Prolonged Services Have No Place With an Infusion Code
Question: Our practice performs in-office infusions that keep the patient in the off... Read more
Reader Questions:
State Law Governs Refunds to Commercial Carriers
Question: A non-contracted carrier paid our practice for services rendered to one of its p... Read more
State Law Governs Refunds to Commercial Carriers
Question: A non-contracted carrier paid our practice for services rendered to one of its p... Read more
New Physician Doesn't Have to Mean New Billing Problems
Follow 4 steps to ensure smooth sailing in your billing officeA new physician joins your p... Read more
Follow 4 steps to ensure smooth sailing in your billing officeA new physician joins your p... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
What Visit Merits a Second-Opinion Code?
Test your knowledge of confirmatory consultations by answering the billing question belowP... Read more
What Visit Merits a Second-Opinion Code?
Test your knowledge of confirmatory consultations by answering the billing question belowP... Read more
5 Questions - and Expert Answers - Help You Decide Whether to Opt Out of Medicare
Analyze your patient base to see how opting out will affect your bottom lineIf your practi... Read more
Analyze your patient base to see how opting out will affect your bottom lineIf your practi... Read more
Tips From the Field:
Follow Our Expert's Advice to Brush Up on Your Collection Know-How
A seasoned biller shares some of her best tactics Most billing offices struggle to determi... Read more
Follow Our Expert's Advice to Brush Up on Your Collection Know-How
A seasoned biller shares some of her best tactics Most billing offices struggle to determi... Read more
Do ED Services Cause a Billing Office Emergency?
Choose from 1 of 4 scenarios when deciding how to bill your physician's emergency departme... Read more
Choose from 1 of 4 scenarios when deciding how to bill your physician's emergency departme... Read more
HIPAA Question of the Month:
E-Mail Provider Won't Sign a BAA?
Question: The company that hosts our e-mail accounts refuses to sign a business associate ... Read more
E-Mail Provider Won't Sign a BAA?
Question: The company that hosts our e-mail accounts refuses to sign a business associate ... Read more
Advanced Biller's Workshop:
Does Your Fee Schedule Need Some Fine-Tuning?
This month: The first 3 steps of our in-depth 12-step solutionAnalyzing and adjusting your... Read more
Does Your Fee Schedule Need Some Fine-Tuning?
This month: The first 3 steps of our in-depth 12-step solutionAnalyzing and adjusting your... Read more
August's Recipe for Billing Success
Recoup Professional Component Pay With Modifier -26 When your provider orders an x-ray or... Read more
Recoup Professional Component Pay With Modifier -26 When your provider orders an x-ray or... Read more
Reader Question:
Provide Copies of Medical Records to an Outside Auditor
Question: When our outside auditor gets copies of chart notes to perform an audit, the pat... Read more
Provide Copies of Medical Records to an Outside Auditor
Question: When our outside auditor gets copies of chart notes to perform an audit, the pat... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill Under Other Doc's ID Only With Proof of Patient Contact
Question: Our practice recently hired a new doctor who has privileges at the local hospita... Read more
Bill Under Other Doc's ID Only With Proof of Patient Contact
Question: Our practice recently hired a new doctor who has privileges at the local hospita... Read more
Reader Question:
Read Charts Carefully if 'Rule-Outs' Are Involved
Question: One of the physicians in our multi-specialty practice is an endocrinologist who ... Read more
Read Charts Carefully if 'Rule-Outs' Are Involved
Question: One of the physicians in our multi-specialty practice is an endocrinologist who ... Read more
Follow 4 Steps to Solve Your Clearinghouse Hassles Today
Our experts show you how to improve claims transmission and maximize your service Many bi... Read more
Our experts show you how to improve claims transmission and maximize your service Many bi... Read more
News You Can Use:
ICD-9 Changes Start Earlier This Year
You have no time to waste in preparing your practice for the 2004-2005 ICD-9 changes. In F... Read more
ICD-9 Changes Start Earlier This Year
You have no time to waste in preparing your practice for the 2004-2005 ICD-9 changes. In F... Read more
REIMBURSEMENT REPORT:
Want to Collect From Noncontracted Payers? File an ERISA Appeal
2 steps may be all you need to secure full payment on an underpaid claim Wish you had a... Read more
Want to Collect From Noncontracted Payers? File an ERISA Appeal
2 steps may be all you need to secure full payment on an underpaid claim Wish you had a... Read more
Reimbursement Report :
1 Tool You Need to File an ERISA Appeal
Use this letter template to request information from a noncontracted carrier so you can ap... Read more
1 Tool You Need to File an ERISA Appeal
Use this letter template to request information from a noncontracted carrier so you can ap... Read more
The Key to Small-Practice Billing Success? Carve Out Time to Prioritize
Expert tips show how a biller can 'wear many hats' and make it look good As a biller in... Read more
Expert tips show how a biller can 'wear many hats' and make it look good As a biller in... Read more
3 Ways to Increase the Value of Your PA Services
If your PA doesn't have a UPIN, chances are you forfeit billable services Although carr... Read more
If your PA doesn't have a UPIN, chances are you forfeit billable services Although carr... Read more
Correction:
Use Place-of-Service Code 22 for Observation Services
Experts agree: You should always report place-of-service code 22 (Outpatient hospital) w... Read more
Use Place-of-Service Code 22 for Observation Services
Experts agree: You should always report place-of-service code 22 (Outpatient hospital) w... Read more
July's Recipe for Billing Success
Double-Check Your Inpatient Codes to Avoid OIG Scrutiny Do you report a string of follo... Read more
Double-Check Your Inpatient Codes to Avoid OIG Scrutiny Do you report a string of follo... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Let Paper Claims Jam Your Facility's Billing
Question: Our billing department receives a ton of denials on paper claims, and I think ... Read more
Don't Let Paper Claims Jam Your Facility's Billing
Question: Our billing department receives a ton of denials on paper claims, and I think ... Read more
Reader Question:
Create Your Own ABN for Private-Payer Noncovered Services
Question: What should our billing office do when our physician provides an experimental ... Read more
Create Your Own ABN for Private-Payer Noncovered Services
Question: What should our billing office do when our physician provides an experimental ... Read more
Reader Question:
Consider 3 Factors When Determining MDM
Question: One of our newer coders filed an erroneous claim recently in which she assigne... Read more
Consider 3 Factors When Determining MDM
Question: One of our newer coders filed an erroneous claim recently in which she assigne... Read more
8 Simple Steps Adjust Your Fees For Higher Reimbursement
You're probably losing money if a carrier pays dollar for dollar on a claim If you've nev... Read more
You're probably losing money if a carrier pays dollar for dollar on a claim If you've nev... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Test Your Knowledge of Original Documentation Requirements
Determining what constitutes original documentation can be tricky when carbon copies and s... Read more
Test Your Knowledge of Original Documentation Requirements
Determining what constitutes original documentation can be tricky when carbon copies and s... Read more
ICD-9 Newsflash:
Annual Update Released
This year's annual ICD-9 update includes 171 new ICD-9 codes, according to a Centers for M... Read more
Annual Update Released
This year's annual ICD-9 update includes 171 new ICD-9 codes, according to a Centers for M... Read more
REIMBURSEMENT REPORT:
Increase Your Deductible Collections With Patient Education
3 strategies will decrease patient complaints about an unexpected billWhether your billing... Read more
Increase Your Deductible Collections With Patient Education
3 strategies will decrease patient complaints about an unexpected billWhether your billing... Read more
6 Tips Steer You Through MVA Billing
Identify car-crash patients before you treat You may easily bill the wrong insurance co... Read more
Identify car-crash patients before you treat You may easily bill the wrong insurance co... Read more
Compliance Tip
To be sure everyone in your practice is equally well informed about billing compliance, cr... Read more
To be sure everyone in your practice is equally well informed about billing compliance, cr... Read more
Physician or Nonphysician Practitioner ID Number:
Do You Know How to Choose?
A visit may lose its incident-to status if the PA or NP discovers a new problem If you ha... Read more
Do You Know How to Choose?
A visit may lose its incident-to status if the PA or NP discovers a new problem If you ha... Read more
Reader Question:
Read Carefully Before Billing No-Show Appointments
Question: Can our practice bill for no-show appointments? What are our legal rights as f... Read more
Read Carefully Before Billing No-Show Appointments
Question: Can our practice bill for no-show appointments? What are our legal rights as f... Read more
Reader Question:
Physicians Can Refer Family, Can't Bill for Treatment
Question: I am not sure how to bill for this situation: Doctor A refers his father to Do... Read more
Physicians Can Refer Family, Can't Bill for Treatment
Question: I am not sure how to bill for this situation: Doctor A refers his father to Do... Read more
Reader Question:
New Clearinghouse May Solve Claims Transmission Problems
Question: My electronic claims transmission software company just informed me it can no ... Read more
New Clearinghouse May Solve Claims Transmission Problems
Question: My electronic claims transmission software company just informed me it can no ... Read more
5 Steps Reveal Your Cash-Flow Secrets
Chart your A/R and other billing variables to ensure you don't leave any reimbursement on ... Read more
Chart your A/R and other billing variables to ensure you don't leave any reimbursement on ... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Losing $100s on Unpaid Counseling Claims?
Test your billing knowledge by determining how you would solve the two real-life billing p... Read more
Losing $100s on Unpaid Counseling Claims?
Test your billing knowledge by determining how you would solve the two real-life billing p... Read more
Reimbursement Report:
Just Say No to Additional Payer Discounts
Save money and hassle by refusing tricky discount offersPromises of prompt carrier payment... Read more
Just Say No to Additional Payer Discounts
Save money and hassle by refusing tricky discount offersPromises of prompt carrier payment... Read more
3 Ways You Can Avoid Losing $10 or More on Sports, Camp Physicals
Plan your coding, payment policy attack nowYou can avoid losing reimbursement for spring a... Read more
Plan your coding, payment policy attack nowYou can avoid losing reimbursement for spring a... Read more
Biller's Brushup:
Modifier -59
Unbundle and get the $$$ you deserve by knowing when and how to use modifier -59 Appending... Read more
Modifier -59
Unbundle and get the $$$ you deserve by knowing when and how to use modifier -59 Appending... Read more
Compliance 101:
Corporate Integrity Agreements
A strong compliance plan and compliance education programs can help you prevent the many t... Read more
Corporate Integrity Agreements
A strong compliance plan and compliance education programs can help you prevent the many t... Read more
Collections Tip
Patients who don't respond to your early collection efforts may be lying low because they ... Read more
Patients who don't respond to your early collection efforts may be lying low because they ... Read more
5 Steps Add Spice to Compliance Education Sessions
Sick of struggling to get your message across to physicians and staff? We can helpA common... Read more
Sick of struggling to get your message across to physicians and staff? We can helpA common... Read more
Compliance Newsflash:
Alert Your Practice to New Stark II Regulations
If your practice offers ancillary services such as in-office or affiliated labs and physic... Read more
Alert Your Practice to New Stark II Regulations
If your practice offers ancillary services such as in-office or affiliated labs and physic... Read more
May's Recipe for Billing Success
Recoup $105 Extra Per Visit With Prolonged Services Billers sometimes choose not to repor... Read more
Recoup $105 Extra Per Visit With Prolonged Services Billers sometimes choose not to repor... Read more
Reader Question:
Medicare Won't Reimburse International Services
Question: We performed a scan on one of our Medicare patients last month, and she complain... Read more
Medicare Won't Reimburse International Services
Question: We performed a scan on one of our Medicare patients last month, and she complain... Read more
Reader Question:
Liability Insurance: It's Worth Considering
Question: I've heard a lot of talk recently about biller and coder liability insurance. Wh... Read more
Liability Insurance: It's Worth Considering
Question: I've heard a lot of talk recently about biller and coder liability insurance. Wh... Read more
Reader Question:
Evaluate Your Collections Agency Based on Success Rate
Question: What are some key things to look for in a new collections agency?North Dakota Su... Read more
Evaluate Your Collections Agency Based on Success Rate
Question: What are some key things to look for in a new collections agency?North Dakota Su... Read more
Could an ASP Save You Money?
4 reasons why an application solution provider might be the solution for youLow start-up c... Read more
4 reasons why an application solution provider might be the solution for youLow start-up c... Read more
Compliance News Flash:
Take a Careful Look at Consultations
If you're not 100 percent sure the consultation services you're billing meet all the corre... Read more
Take a Careful Look at Consultations
If you're not 100 percent sure the consultation services you're billing meet all the corre... Read more
Reimbursement Report:
5 Q&A's Explain Workers' Comp
A workers' comp fee schedule can help you recoup $100The guidance and fee schedules you ne... Read more
5 Q&A's Explain Workers' Comp
A workers' comp fee schedule can help you recoup $100The guidance and fee schedules you ne... Read more
Collections Corner:
It Pays More to Be Nice
Aggressive behavior can actually reduce the amount you collectWarning: While it may seem m... Read more
It Pays More to Be Nice
Aggressive behavior can actually reduce the amount you collectWarning: While it may seem m... Read more
Collections Countdown
6 steps to take before you send an account to the collector When should you send an accoun... Read more
6 steps to take before you send an account to the collector When should you send an accoun... Read more
New OIG Guidance Clarifies Proper Collections Procedures
Your collections efforts are an area that can come under scrutiny by the HHS Office of Ins... Read more
Your collections efforts are an area that can come under scrutiny by the HHS Office of Ins... Read more
HIPAA Claims
If you're still not submitting electronic claims in compliance with the Health Information... Read more
If you're still not submitting electronic claims in compliance with the Health Information... Read more
Outsource Collections for Better Results
The intervention of a collection agency has many benefits for your practice, whether you o... Read more
The intervention of a collection agency has many benefits for your practice, whether you o... Read more
Hiring Help Desk:
Make the Most of Your Interviews
4 must-have tips help you hire the bestCoding and billing experts agree that the cliche ho... Read more
Make the Most of Your Interviews
4 must-have tips help you hire the bestCoding and billing experts agree that the cliche ho... Read more
April's Recipe for Billing Success
Depending on the level of service, you can recoup $10, $20 or even $30 more per claim by b... Read more
Depending on the level of service, you can recoup $10, $20 or even $30 more per claim by b... Read more
Reader Question:
Carriers Usually Won't Pay Your Phone Bills
Question: Occasionally our practice will provide patients with counseling, coordination of... Read more
Carriers Usually Won't Pay Your Phone Bills
Question: Occasionally our practice will provide patients with counseling, coordination of... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill 99058 for Office Interruptions Only
Question: When is it appropriate to bill 99058? We recently began operating an after-hours... Read more
Bill 99058 for Office Interruptions Only
Question: When is it appropriate to bill 99058? We recently began operating an after-hours... Read more
Reader Question:
Financial Hardship Is a Must for Discounts
Question: When it is appropriate for a provider to give discounts? Should we give discount... Read more
Financial Hardship Is a Must for Discounts
Question: When it is appropriate for a provider to give discounts? Should we give discount... Read more
Find the Right Practice Management System for Your Billing Needs
Shop smart by asking yourself these 4 questionsDeciding to purchase a new practice managem... Read more
Shop smart by asking yourself these 4 questionsDeciding to purchase a new practice managem... Read more
HIPAA Transactions Rule Update:
File Complaints Using New Online Tool
You now have some recourse if a software vendor, clearinghouse or payer is getting in the ... Read more
File Complaints Using New Online Tool
You now have some recourse if a software vendor, clearinghouse or payer is getting in the ... Read more
Reimbursement Special Report:
8 Steps Help You Win ERISA Appeals
Your reimbursement problems get a dose of expert attentionWhat you don't know about the Em... Read more
8 Steps Help You Win ERISA Appeals
Your reimbursement problems get a dose of expert attentionWhat you don't know about the Em... Read more
Advice From the Field:
Fight Underpayments With This Simple 4-Step Trick
Underpayment by a carrier is all too common, but never fear -- there's something you can d... Read more
Fight Underpayments With This Simple 4-Step Trick
Underpayment by a carrier is all too common, but never fear -- there's something you can d... Read more
Add This Clause to Your Assignment-of-Benefits Form
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) mandates that carriers respond to appe... Read more
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) mandates that carriers respond to appe... Read more
Securing Payment -- Who Can Help?
Tackle tough payment problems by knowing where to turnYou can file a complaint with the st... Read more
Tackle tough payment problems by knowing where to turnYou can file a complaint with the st... Read more
HIPAA Update
Billers are learning the ropes of the HIPAA transactions rule -- slowly but surely.Accordi... Read more
Billers are learning the ropes of the HIPAA transactions rule -- slowly but surely.Accordi... Read more
3 Tips Help You Hire With Confidence
A few simple background checks can greatly reduce risky hiresHiring an employee who will h... Read more
A few simple background checks can greatly reduce risky hiresHiring an employee who will h... Read more
Safeguard Your Office Funds With This Checklist
Separation of financial duties in the billing office is imperative for guarding against em... Read more
Separation of financial duties in the billing office is imperative for guarding against em... Read more
March's Recipe for Billing Success
You can save your practice money by knowing the details of "incident-to" billing. Use thes... Read more
You can save your practice money by knowing the details of "incident-to" billing. Use thes... Read more
Reader Question:
Work With Patients to Avoid Collections
Question: A patient called me yesterday about being sent to collections even though she ha... Read more
Work With Patients to Avoid Collections
Question: A patient called me yesterday about being sent to collections even though she ha... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill Modifier -GV or -GW for Hospice Medicare Patients
Question: The physicians at our practice treat patients in the office as well as at nursin... Read more
Bill Modifier -GV or -GW for Hospice Medicare Patients
Question: The physicians at our practice treat patients in the office as well as at nursin... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Place-of-Service Code 21 or 23 for Observation Services
Question: Our office gets lots of denials on charges for E/M observation services, and I t... Read more
Report Place-of-Service Code 21 or 23 for Observation Services
Question: Our office gets lots of denials on charges for E/M observation services, and I t... Read more
Don't Leave Yourself Liable
We'll show you how to protect yourself from committing these 3 billing-law violationsBad n... Read more
We'll show you how to protect yourself from committing these 3 billing-law violationsBad n... Read more
CPT News Flash:
Starred Procedures Come Off in 2004
How you deal with global periods and modifier -25 is about to change.In past CPT manuals, ... Read more
Starred Procedures Come Off in 2004
How you deal with global periods and modifier -25 is about to change.In past CPT manuals, ... Read more
Reimbursement Report:
Battle Bad Bundles
Your reimbursement horror stories get some expert attentionBilling and coding is insurance... Read more
Battle Bad Bundles
Your reimbursement horror stories get some expert attentionBilling and coding is insurance... Read more
5 Surefire Strategies to Boost Your Internal Audit Integrity
Warning: If you don't conduct your internal audits correctly, you could be hurting - not h... Read more
Warning: If you don't conduct your internal audits correctly, you could be hurting - not h... Read more
News You Can Use:
Thousands of Providers Ousted From Medicare
This year's statistics are in, and they serve as a powerful reminder for billing office ma... Read more
Thousands of Providers Ousted From Medicare
This year's statistics are in, and they serve as a powerful reminder for billing office ma... Read more
What to Watch Out for in 2004
Keep your practice out of legal hot water by paying attention to this year's enforcement f... Read more
Keep your practice out of legal hot water by paying attention to this year's enforcement f... Read more
HIRING TIP
It's important to run a Medicare- exclusion background check on all new staff you hire, bu... Read more
It's important to run a Medicare- exclusion background check on all new staff you hire, bu... Read more
5 Tips to Save Your Practice Money
Surprise! You can use an EOB to boost revenueDon't let an explanation of benefits (EOB) st... Read more
Surprise! You can use an EOB to boost revenueDon't let an explanation of benefits (EOB) st... Read more
Use This Appeals Letter Template to Collect on Charges With Modifier -25
Patient's Name:POL#:DOS:Claim #: To [name of decision-maker] at [insurance carrier]: I a... Read more
Patient's Name:POL#:DOS:Claim #: To [name of decision-maker] at [insurance carrier]: I a... Read more
January's Recipe for Billing Success:
7 Tips Recoup Locum Tenens Pay
Avoid unnecessary stress this holiday season reporting reciprocal billing arrangements or ... Read more
7 Tips Recoup Locum Tenens Pay
Avoid unnecessary stress this holiday season reporting reciprocal billing arrangements or ... Read more
Reader Questions
Billing Every Charge Every Time Is BestQuestion: If I know a payer is going to deny a cert... Read more
Billing Every Charge Every Time Is BestQuestion: If I know a payer is going to deny a cert... Read more
Overcome Over-Ordering Accusations
3 easy expert moves to tackle and prevent this high-risk compliance hot spot.At... Read more
3 easy expert moves to tackle and prevent this high-risk compliance hot spot.At... Read more
Medicare Bill News Flash:
Expect More Fair Treatment, Less Threat
You can look forward to more fair and reasonable treatment in the coming year, thanks to p... Read more
Expect More Fair Treatment, Less Threat
You can look forward to more fair and reasonable treatment in the coming year, thanks to p... Read more
Manners Matter to Payers
Turns out Mom and Dad were right after all: You will get what you want if you just use you... Read more
Turns out Mom and Dad were right after all: You will get what you want if you just use you... Read more
Reimbursement Report:
Master Multiple Policy Obligations
Your reimbursement problems get a dose of expert attentionDealing with the obligations, pr... Read more
Master Multiple Policy Obligations
Your reimbursement problems get a dose of expert attentionDealing with the obligations, pr... Read more
4 Easy Steps Help You Steer Clear of SNF Billing Snafus
Dealing with consolidated billing for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) can be both frustr... Read more
Dealing with consolidated billing for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) can be both frustr... Read more
Reduce Denials With More Definitive Diagnosis Coding
Use these 5 strategies to boost your reimbursementImportant: Don't jump the gun on billing... Read more
Use these 5 strategies to boost your reimbursementImportant: Don't jump the gun on billing... Read more
Time Is Money
Get paid what you deserve by billing for the time component of E/M visitsFact: You can bil... Read more
Get paid what you deserve by billing for the time component of E/M visitsFact: You can bil... Read more
Compliance News Update:
$54 Million Payout Proves Danger of Over-Ordering
Think over-ordering isn't something to take seriously? Think again, says a recent court ca... Read more
$54 Million Payout Proves Danger of Over-Ordering
Think over-ordering isn't something to take seriously? Think again, says a recent court ca... Read more
February's Recipe for Billing Success
Get paid everything you deserve by also billing for an E/M service when a physician treats... Read more
Get paid everything you deserve by also billing for an E/M service when a physician treats... Read more
Reader Question:
Proper Documentation Promises Payment for Consults
Question: Why do I keep getting denials when I bill for a consultation visit before surger... Read more
Proper Documentation Promises Payment for Consults
Question: Why do I keep getting denials when I bill for a consultation visit before surger... Read more
Reader Question:
Track E/M Components With New Category II Codes
Question: What is the new Category II section in CPT, and how do we use it? - Florida S... Read more
Track E/M Components With New Category II Codes
Question: What is the new Category II section in CPT, and how do we use it? - Florida S... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Proof of Filing to Get Your Claim Paid
Question: I have been trying to get a claim through to one of our carriers for over a year... Read more
Use Proof of Filing to Get Your Claim Paid
Question: I have been trying to get a claim through to one of our carriers for over a year... Read more