Medical billing can be challenging with the myriad of guidelines and continuous amendments to the medical claim submission. In addition, after COVID, the medical billing system has become more complicated especially when it comes to chiropractic billing. This is why chiropractors are more inclined towards outsourcing chiropractic billing services in order to have accuracy in medical billing, reduce the overall tasks for office staff and claim denials, and enhance the smooth transition of the billing process. Also, outsourcing the Chiropractic Billing Services allows healthcare providers to focus on the patient’s care completely.
Knowing the importance of outsourcing Chiropractic Billing Services, it is also important to know how to select a suitable chiropractic outsourcing company in order to hand over the process. Here are some of the crucial things that you need to focus on when selecting an outsourcing company for your chiropractic practice.
Things to consider before outsourcing Chiropractic Billing Services
Experience and expertise
With the increasing trend of outsourcing billing services, the market has become too competitive and saturated. Check the account size and specialty before hiring one. For instance, some outsourcing companies can handle large accounts of chiropractic practices and some are equipped to handle accounts with low budgets, with limited physicians, a few insurance companies, etc. you may need to take all the required information before you hire an outsourcing company for your chiropractic practice.
In addition, selecting a company that has an experience in billing in chiropractic would be more beneficial because there will be fewer chances of claim rejection due to inaccuracy and incorrect billing.
Compliance
No matter what type of healthcare company, every healthcare organization has to abide by federal regulations and guidelines. Before hiring a company, ask for the list of guidelines and regulations that they follow and know about the compliance procedure, and make sure they fall perfectly on your practice guidelines.
Find out if the staff at the company is efficient in managing and is compliant with CPT codes, HCPCS, and ICD-10 codes, and whether the company is HIPPA and ISO certified.
Reporting and Analytics
You also need to consider the way the company works and ask how the work is divided among the staff and the expertise of the person whom they will assign the billing work. Sometimes companies have certain employees for certain reporting and tasks, some allocate a number of billers to wrap the tasks in less time.
It is also essential to know how frequently the company will be reporting to you about the billing measures and metrics of the process. Consider knowing if the company has the standards the performance with MGMA.
Also, it is important to comprehend the style of communication like how soon the call, email, or text is responded to. At what time soon the urgent requirements are fulfilled?
You can also ask for online access to the platform to keep you updated about the claim process. Take into account how the process works and ask for previous monthly performance reports or reviews they gained from the previous companies/clients.
Software and Tools
Billing and claiming companies need to adhere to the technological requirements and need to remain updated with the latest systems and software. Ensure that the company you are hiring is instilled with the required software beforehand.
They should be using the same system or have comprehensive knowledge of the software that you use to manage the cash flow and the financial data to make the process effortless. However, if they are using another software, find out if they are providing training to make it easier to accustom to the software. In addition, ask about the financial and technical issue handling and provide suggestions to automate the task at every level.
Data security and transmission
Data security should be the first priority that you should be concerned about. Data breaches have seriously taken over the internet and have affected a lot of companies in almost every niche. Look for the company committed to providing the best possible security and follows high standards for PHI – Protected Health Information. They should be having strong and secure connection without letting anyone access their personal information. The company should be readily available for any questions and information that you might have to ask other than the regular time.
Client reviews
Although chiropractic is a challenging field and not everyone in the field finds satisfaction with outsourcing billing companies in this practice. This is why it is crucial to know the reviews of previous clients and collaborate with them to understand what they have to say about them.
Even if you have contacted them due to a reference, you should check them and judge the competency, alertness, service quality, and revenue impact due to the provided services. The outsourcing company can be a competitive one if they have been promising in their field and delivered the quality that they assured.
Pricing
Last but surely not least, no matter how competitive a company is and how they have gained acceptance in the market, it all boils down to the fact that how much the company cost you for the required services. Ask for the services they provide for the cost they are asking. Learn about the plans if they have options, carve out the details of services, and how transparent are they with the pricing and service quality.
If you have specific insurance companies and third parties to count on, they might charge you extra and this may become a huge cost at the end of the day. Hence, it is essential to know them beforehand.
Conclusion
Whether you appoint a small network billing company or the one that suits your needs, make an informed decision while taking into account all the points mentioned above.