Precert/Prior Auth Positions:Do you use coders?

[barbiehays]

Currently, our practice does not use coders nor even billers to do precerts and prior authorizations. Commonly, we find things not precerted, not precerted with the right diagnosis, and not precerted with the right procedure codes. We have numerous writeoffs because of this (we do radiology as well as have surgeons and specialists who perform services in and out of the office.)

I was wondering how many practices employ coders/billers for this type of position? Do you manage the position within the billing department? Ours is currently managed by the Front Office managers, such as reception.

Thanks for your help and feedback!

Barbie Hays, CPC
Coding Manager
120+ physician group, family practice and multi-specialty

 

[AprilSueMadison]

We have our receptionists do it, but our doctors are very good at immediately giving them all the codes required during patient checkout.

 

[michelleaapc2012]

We have a surgery scheduler that tries to get all the authorizations, but the billing department helps when needed.

 

[PediatricPenguin]

When I worked at a PT/OT Clinic as front desk I did the authorizations.

Now that I work in a private pediatric practice I still do it.

Really, whoever has the most experience is the best candidate; at least if they have the extra time.