Medical billing for OB/GYN offices can be a complex process due to the specialized nature of the field. According to Zippia, in the United States, there are more than 22 thousand obstetricians/gynecologists. To ensure accurate billing, these offices need to implement best practices. At the top of the list is billing appropriately and accurately in order to be compliant with state and federal laws. We’ve put together several effective tips in revenue cycle management to help prevent billing errors.
Hire Medical Coders
With the implementation of ICD-10, medical coding has become more challenging. In 2015, the diagnosis code set went from 14 thousand to 69 thousand codes virtually overnight. To ensure procedures and diagnoses are billed correctly, an OB/GYN practice should hire on-site or remote Certified Professional Coders (CPC). Certified Obstetrics Gynecology Coders (COBGC) are officially recognized by the AAPC and have knowledge of antepartum to postpartum care and surgical procedures. A practice should ensure that their coders stay updated with continuing education credits (CEU) to maintain their certification and stay on top of rapidly changing coding rules.
Acquire a Medical Billing Software System
As your practice grows, it’s imperative to have a robust medical billing software system in place. It should integrate seamlessly with the office’s Electronic Health Records (EHR) system. Making patient information more accessible and minimizing manual processes and paper are benefits of utilizing the software. This will enable claim tracking, reduce paperwork, and ensure correct billing procedures with fewer errors and reimbursement denials.
Implement Effective Procedures and Policies
Having clear policies and standard operating procedures (SOP) in place for insurance pre-authorizations, patient follow-up, and appeals can prevent lost revenue. Effective medical billing for OB/GYN offices depends on adherence to procedure. Be sure to also streamline procedures in place for processing patient charges, adjustments, and payments.
Perform Audits Periodically
While having effective practices and SOPs is important, performing audits occasionally can ensure those procedures are being followed correctly. An audit may provide visibility into whether additional training is necessary and identify and prevent common errors in medical billing for OB/GYN offices.
To be a successful OB/GYN practice, making sure your billing processes are effective is key to navigating the complexity of multiple codes and rules. It’s crucial to keep an eye on state and federal legislation and stay up to date on medical coding and reimbursement changes. Putting these essential tips in place is a good way to keep your revenue cycle running smoothly. For more assistance with your practice’s billing, contact Sentinel Billing Solutions today.
