Practice Management Alert
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 patients if they decide to pay in full on the day of service? Answer: Yes, as long as you clearly explain the terms of the discount in your financial policy and apply the discount consistently to all your patients - you must do these two things to be compliant. In fact, many practices choose to offer a discount to patients who pay in full on the day of service or who pay their balance in full when they receive their first statement.
Florida Subscriber
And many practices offer a discount to patients with financial need.
All of these discount policies are perfectly legal and acceptable as long as you define the details in your financial policy and abide by those policy guidelines no matter what. Inconsistent application of discounts can land you in hot water with the feds and with insurance carriers that may accuse you of unfair billing practices.
Practice Management Alert
- Weak Contract Negotiations Equal Weak Profits:
Sharpen Both With 12 Tips
Hint: Establish a timeline for contract completion - and stick to it
Insurance carriers may be [...] - 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 [...] - 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 [...] - Adjust Your Schedule to Guard Against No-Shows
2 tactics help you solve empty appointment slots and lost income
If no-show patients cause a [...] - Stay Compliant:
Learn to Manage E-Mails With PHI
Save messages in paper form to eliminate confusion
If you don't control the flow of e-PHI [...] - Reader Questions:
Day-of-Service Discounts Must Be Compliant
Question: Is it OK if we have a set exam fee and then offer a [...] - Reader Questions:
E/M With Mental-Health Counseling? Always Record Times
Question: Our family-practice physicians often treat patients with mental-health conditions such as depression, anxiety and [...] - November's Recipe for Billing Success
Sometimes a little extra documentation can go a long way toward justifying a higher level [...] - Reader Questions:
Specialize Your Op Report When Using -22
Question: We often experience delays in payment or partial denials when we use modifier -22 [...]
