Dermal filler treatments take roughly six to 12 months. Billing treatments like it that take place over a long period can be relatively complex. Outsourcing your billing activities can relieve you from the hassle of billing and allow you to focus on other important aspects of your practice. But with numerous medical billing service companies to choose from, how do you identify the right one for your needs? You can identify a suitable company by asking questions. That said, here are seven questions you should ask the medical billing service companies you’re considering.
1. How Long Has Your Company Been Operational?
Experience doesn’t always mean proficiency. But when it comes to medical billing solutions, many times it does. No certification can substitute experience. Sure, hiring a company that’s certified is a bonus, but nothing beats experience.
Medical billing service companies with a wealth of experience are more likely to have handled various claim types than inexperienced ones. As a result, they are better equipped at handling any unique challenges they may encounter.
Besides experience, inquire about specialization. Ideally, you’ll want to hire a medical billing company with experience working with practices similar to yours. For instance, medical billing companies that primarily deal with primary care physicians may be better at handling primary care billing compared to companies that don’t work with primary care physicians.
2. Will Your System Be Compatible with Mine?
Replacing an old system with a new one can have several cost implications. While the medical billing company may need to change your system, you shouldn’t have to replace your entire system to accommodate a new one.
Ideally, the new system should integrate with your current systems and adapt to your unique business needs without affecting your existing processes.
3. Are You HIPAA Compliant?
Protecting patient data is an important priority for any healthcare organization. Therefore, inquire about the degree to which the medical billing service is HIPAA compliant.
No healthcare organization is 100% HIPAA compliant, but it’s vital to gauge the medical billing service’s level of compliance.
As a rule of thumb, you should hire a medical billing company with a robust data security system and processes. Inquire about how the company manages its phone, email, and fax records. Reputable medical billing service companies usually have stringent measures to protect sensitive records and prevent data loss.
4. What Types of Reports Can I Expect to Receive?
Inquire about the reports the billing company sends out and their frequency. Request for sample reports to find out whether they’ll prove helpful for your practice. Ideally, you’ll want to receive reports on credit balances, denials, and aged account receivables.
5. Can I Meet the Person Handling My Account?
Request to meet the person who will work on your account. Doing so allows you to establish whether they’re qualified to handle your account. It can also help you to determine whether they’re a good match for you. Relationships with medical billing service companies tend to be long-term, so you’ll want to work with someone compatible with you.
6. Do You Have Any References?
Treat the medical billing service companies like potential hires. Request for references and get in touch with them to inquire about the companies’ services. Speaking to past or existing clients can give you an idea of what to expect.
7. How Much Will It Cost?
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask about pricing. Companies that offer low prices tend to omit services like:
- Sending patient statements
- Following up on low-ticket claims
- Following up on denied claims
Therefore, while you may be tempted to make some savings by hiring an inexpensive company, you may be better off hiring a higher-priced company that offers all the services mentioned above and more.
Picking a medical billing service isn’t a decision you make on a whim. It requires lots of consideration. Before you partner with a medical billing company, ask the prospective companies the questions above to help you make an informed decision.
