In the challenging landscape of healthcare finance, mitigating Denials in ASC Billing is paramount to maintaining a steady revenue stream. If the ASC is losing out on their revenue due to coding, collection, and billing blips some serious measures need to be taken to arrest them. As for any practice, efficient billing and collections are essential for the success and profitability of the center, and for ASCs it is no different. Hence, efforts need to be made to make sure that the efficiency of the billing team improves so that they can capture more money.
Similarly, when claims are denied they result in lower revenues which endanger profitability and also cast a shadow over the integrity of the processes and workflow of surgery centers. To combat the escalating issue of Denials in ASC Billing. A well-trained team, knowledgeable in Ambulatory Surgical Centers Billing procedures, coding standards, and payer requirements, forms the frontline defense against claim denials.
Understanding the Impact of Denials in ASC Billing
Reasons for loss of revenue and high rate of denials-
There are several reasons why ASCs lose out on revenue. Stated below are a couple of points:
- Lack of proper authorization for performing services and procedures: In cases where they get referrals from physicians who have no ties with them, they fail to get proper authorization for the services rendered. This compels them to contact the payer and get information about the patient’s benefit plan and go over the financial obligations like co-payments, deductibles, and services covered and how will they receive payment.
- Hiring unqualified and inexperienced coders: Getting a certified coder is vital as they send out the right codes due to which the center receives proper reimbursement. Lack of appropriate exposure to coding and billing will give rise to increasing errors and subsequently denials putting you in a financial crunch.
- Missing documentation attached to the claim: Payers may ask for additional documentation such as the operative note or implant invoice etc. These demands may change from one situation to the other, resulting in persistent claims.
- Incomplete or missing information– Claims are commonly denied on the grounds of inaccurate or incomplete patient information such as subscriber ID number, date of birth, and/or date of injury. Any sort of missing information on the claim happens to be one of the major reasons for claims being denied.
Curb the loss of revenue
ASCs need to take these steps to make sure that they improve their revenue stream.
- In most cases, top health insurance companies have member health plans published online and member benefits can be checked by plugging in procedure codes and finding out the coverage of the insurance plan. However, the trick is to put in the correct parameters. Hence, it is important that the staff understands the system and plugs in the correct information.
- ASCs must ensure they audit the records, business office, and processes regularly for smooth functioning. The medical record manager should make it a point to check that the coders are following proper procedures and the leadership should take on the onus of keeping track of the collection of co-insurance and co-payments.
- To avoid receiving constant requests for additional documentation, it is advised to get a clear understanding from the payer on the documents needed to get the claim paid.
- Having one of the staff members call the patient before the appointment and confirm all personal information can save much time and effort. This can also help avoid errors occurring when a patient unexpectedly switches their insurance plan.
The ASCs have improved their overall operating standards and made sure that they implement proper processes and procedures so that they do not lose out on revenue. Following simple tips can help ASCs see a surge in revenue and a dip in denials.
In conclusion, partnering with MBC can help your ASC succeed in today’s healthcare landscape by providing you with a comprehensive and customized billing solution that streamlines your billing processes, reduces administrative costs, and optimizes revenue.
MBC’s commitment to compliance and expertise in coding and billing ensures that your ASC complies with all relevant regulations while operating with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
To know more about our ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) medical billing services, email us at: info@medicalbillersandcoders.com or call us at 888-357-3226.
FAQs
1. Why are denials a major issue in ASC billing?
Denials in ASC billing lead to lost revenue and threaten profitability. They can also signal inefficiencies in billing, coding, and documentation processes.
2. How can ASCs reduce claim denials?
By ensuring proper authorization, hiring qualified coders, and maintaining accurate patient documentation, ASCs can minimize claim denials.
3. What role does coding play in ASC billing success?
Accurate coding is essential for correct reimbursement. Hiring certified coders and staying updated on coding standards can prevent costly mistakes.
4. How can ASCs improve the efficiency of their billing teams?
Regular audits of records and processes, as well as clear communication with payers about documentation needs, can significantly boost billing team efficiency.
5. What is the benefit of partnering with MBC for ASC billing?
MBC provides a comprehensive billing solution that streamlines processes, reduces costs, and ensures compliance, ultimately improving revenue for ASCs.
