The US healthcare is evolving. To improve pharmacy Revenue the pharmacies need to be equipped with a better billing system.
Here are some challenges faced by pharmacies that cause billing errors and affect customer relations, revenues, and reimbursements:
- Access to the patient’s eligibility at the time of service may be unavailable.
- The staff may not be updated with information about various drugs, allergies, maximum dosage, billing system, rules, codes, and insurance clauses.
- Claim denials due to unspecified codes put pharmacies at risk.
- An increase in turn-around time, duplication of work, workforce shortage, and inefficient time and energy utilization of staff members in case of critical cases, could lead to billing errors.
- Medical billing cannot process vaccine claims covered by pharmacy or medical benefits.
- The pharmacy billing system is not scalable or flexible.
- Incorrect CDM could result in underpayment, claims denials, and fines. Incorrect payments could affect revenues and budget planning.
9 Strategies to Improve Pharmacy Revenue
The efficiency of the billing department is critical to patient’s health-related issues. Here are some strategies that can improve the pharmacy revenue –
- The billing system needs to check for patient eligibility in real-time. Comprehensive record sheets of the patients should be located centrally and should be available to the right party at the right time. Updating records should be done regularly. Record duplication should be completely avoided. This will minimize errors and will ensure better reimbursements.
- The coverage of all medical claims should be processed by the billing system. Claim submission and payment processing of products should be handled by the billing system.
- Automated billing systems will reduce routine and manual work and increase turnaround time. Intervention should be required in case of complex situations.
- Billing software should be updated with all the mandatory government codes and regulations and, medical and procedure information.
- The billing system should be able to process vaccine claims in real-time. The providers of this service should know the amount for which they will be reimbursed including the co-pays and deductibles.
- All types of medical benefits should be provided by the billing system.
- Scalable systems will take the pressure off of the pharmacy’s billing staff. Investing in flexible systems can provide freedom in adjusting it to the organization’s practices.
- An effective revenue cycle can be facilitated by the billing system if it reconciles with the inventory system in real time. This will reduce charge captures, billing errors, unaccounted inventories, and compliance issues.
- The CDM needs to be maintained and managed efficiently as it has details like billing units, dosage specifications, and drug prescriptions. This data should be maintained in the billing system so that all the charges generated by the pharmacy can be tracked.
In the given environment of pressing demands, Pharmacies need to buck up in order to remain profitable. It is important to strategize workflow and ensure a reduction in errors that will give rise to denials, hitting the bottom line.
Medical Billers and Coders (MBC) is a leading medical billing company providing complete revenue cycle management services. If you are not sure about insurance reimbursements, then contact us.
Our billing and coding experts are well-versed with the latest pharmacy billing updates helping you to receive accurate insurance reimbursements. To learn more about complete pharmacy billing and coding services, contact us at info@medicalbillersandcoders.com/ 888-357-3226
FAQs:
1. What challenges do pharmacies face in billing that affect revenue?
Pharmacies encounter issues like lack of patient eligibility access, staff knowledge gaps, claim denials due to unspecified codes, and inefficient billing processes.
2. Why is real-time patient eligibility verification important?
Real-time eligibility checks help prevent billing errors and ensure that pharmacies can process claims accurately, leading to better reimbursements.
3. How can automated billing systems enhance pharmacy operations?
Automated systems reduce manual tasks, increase turnaround times, and allow staff to focus on complex cases, improving overall efficiency and accuracy.
4. What role does a Comprehensive Drug List (CDM) play in pharmacy billing?
An accurate CDM helps track billing units, dosage specifications, and prescriptions, minimizing errors that can lead to underpayments and claims denials.
5. How can Medical Billers and Coders (MBC) assist pharmacies?
MBC offers expert services in revenue cycle management and pharmacy billing, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations and optimizing insurance reimbursements.