Align yourself with an internship program - Medical Billing News!

One of the most important parts to any medical billing program is the opportunity for students to get real experience by working in an externship. Externships allow students to leave the classroom setting, and to work in an actual medical billing office. This not only provides great experience, but it also might provide a job recommendation when you start looking for a billing and coding job after graduation. Vocational schools can never promise you a job, but they can help you get experience in an externship - which is a step toward getting a real job. Check with the medical billing program near you to find out if they offer an externship or internship program for students and/or graduates.

As a medical billing business owner, aligning yourself with an externship program can be one of the smartest decisions that you can make. These folks are fresh out of school and are extremely eager to learn and to help out. Importantly, this relationship or arrangement can help the medical billing business owner tremendously. After all, it is free labor which is every business owner's dream especially in the business building stages - obvioulsy as long as the externs are honest and capable.

Get an attorney - don't go it alone!

I cannot stress enough the importance of having an attorney review all of your documents, especially your contract or agreement.
It is so important to protect yourself as the medical biller.
Also, do NOT ever change the language on your own. If a potential client requests a change in terms or in the language, take that request immediately to your attorney to discuss and review.
Many people have been hurt by "inocently" editing their contract. It ALWAYS bites you in the end. So, tread lightly.

Chosing a medical billing software - medical billing news!

Prior to purchasing medical billing software and making thousands of dollars investment please read reviews listed regarding the various Medical Billing software programs available. Some practices we've seen have not asked the right questions. The salesman in general will only cover the most common features of their medical billing software, and is not in it to train on how it works.
This of course would be a bit counter productive as some experienced billers are the toughest to train. Experienced billers are experienced in their current software and requires an open mind and patience while learning a new way i.e. online or web-based medical billing. Ironically, some trainings I've attended have included an inpatient experienced biller that was challenging the software and how it should work i.e. like their old medical billing software. The trick is asking the right questions and making sure the salesman puts it in writing so you can back up promises made.

How to create a medical billing contract - medical billing news!

Creating a contract to be used for medical billing is a total necessity, but can get expensive.
Your contract should consider BOTH parties.
Not only a business agreement and strategy, but an EXIT clause needs to be included.
Always be certain to check with your attorney before using ANY medical billing contracts. Most of those out on the internet, even for purchase, are guidelines and/or samples.
Don't make a mistake by purchasing and immediately using such a contract without consulting an attorney. Remember terms change according to circumstance and state, so check your requirements!

Is it possible to run a medical billing business WITHOUT a computer?

The answer is YES, but NOT without pain.
Without a software program or method to submit medical billing claims electronically, you would need to do the following:
1. Purchase and house the latest CMS 1500 forms.
2. Complete each claim / form by hand.
3. Mail the forms in and cross your fingers in hopes that they make it to the insurance carrier.
4. Follow up by phone beginning 4 to 6 weeks after sending to confirm receipt at the insurance carriers.
5. Call again in another 4 to 6 weeks to check the status of them being processed.

As you can sense, it is possible to run a SMALL medical billing business without a software and without technology, but it is CHALLENGING. Again, possible.
So, if funds are an issue, do a little research and go with what you have even if it's a paper and a pen to get yourself going.
Know that once you have a couple of clients, you CAN invest in your business by purchasing a software. Visit www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com for software informatin and for a no-obligation, free demonstration today!

The importance of a computer system - medical billing

One of the most important and possibly the most costly purchases for today's medical practice is the office computer system. Computers are used for a variety of purposes, even if the billing aspect is outsourced, as is often the case. Large groups and small practices alike use the Internet for connectivity to other businesses, such as hospitals, pharmacies, insurers and vendors. The office staff can even order lunch via the Internet, or place their orders so their groceries will be delivered when they arrive home from work. In addition to Internet use, the office computer can be used for word processing and document creation, appointment scheduling, fax transmittals, bookkeeping and voice dictation. It does not matter whether you are buying your first or your fifth system, selecting the right setup for any size practice can be a mind-boggling experience. To those who think buying a car or house is one of life's biggest nightmares, be forewarned that by comparison choosing and purchasing a medical computer system makes those look like child's play.

Tips for submitting claims - medical billing news

Helpful hints to reduce claims processing time!

Submit claims electronically. ODS processes electronic claims first each day.
Verify the patient's relationship to subscriber and plan information is correct before submitting claims.
Include all pertinent information. Date of birth, subscriber ID, valid CPT and ICD-9 codes.
If the patient is covered by more than one ODS program, submit one claim form indicating the name of the subscriber, subscriber ID, employer (if applicable), and ODS group number for both plans. If covered by another carrier, indicate the above information plus the name, address and policy number of the other carrier.

If a patient has primary insurance through another carrier other than ODS, the EOB from that insurance company will need to accompany the claim for consideration of payment.
ODS makes payment twice per month.
Please contact us before submitting duplicate claims:
Re-billing without contacting us slows our turnaround time and delays payment.
Check Benefit Tracker to see the status of a claim. If you haven't registered for this free online service, click here for more information.
If you receive a PDR indicating that your claim has already been processed before you receive a check, this indicates your re-bill was unnecessary. The claim was processed and is pending for the next scheduled payment date.
DO NOT USE HIGHLIGHTER ON PAPER CLAIMS.