1. Which years of experience are you able to bring to the medical billing industry?
Also, is the company that you are considering billing medical services specialized in your field of expertise? Are they able to recognize and understand the coding nuances that are specific to your practice? It is essential to follow up with your insurance carrier and other payers. Make sure you inquire about the type of follow-up they provide. What are their next steps if there is a denied claim?
2. Where is your work performed?
Today, private patient information can be sent around the globe instantly and directly. It is possible for medical billing to be sent thousands of miles away, without you knowing. Not surprisingly, billing companies are now possible to be founded on a loose network home-based employees. The location of medical billing companies can impact the quality of work. It is therefore important to understand exactly where and who will perform these services. The traditional office, which has in-house staff and faces-to-face accountability prior to company management, is the best option.
3. Are you HIPAA-compliant?
The majority of people working in healthcare today are familiar with HIPAA. This is the new standard for protecting health information security. Although anyone can claim to be HIPAA compliant you should still ensure that you have a thorough understanding of HIPAA regulations. It should not be difficult to determine if the potential partner is well-versed in HIPAA compliance and its implications on medical billing services. Is it possible to discuss specific steps to be taken in response HIPAA?
4. What are some other steps you have taken to increase security?
While healthcare professionals and medical billing firms are required to follow certain guidelines to protect patient information under the HIPAA, there are many other investments that a billing company could make to achieve a higher level of security. What other steps has the billing company taken, or could they take to meet HIPAA compliance?
5. Are there any specific processes or procedures that you could discuss?
These companies may have solutions that meet your needs, but are they clear enough about how they will work with me for each service? It is important to understand the responsibilities of each party and the steps they will take during the partnership.
6. What are the potential costs and fees?
In the medical billing industry, there are many different ways to calculate rates and fees. Before practices sign an agreement, it is important to have a clear understanding of the fees and rates. To avoid any surprises, it is best to find a service that has its fees in writing and upfront.
7. How will you keep me and my practice updated about the steps you are taking?
Standardized regular reports should be provided to your practice by all or most companies, at least monthly. This will keep you informed. What other reports is your medical billing company able to provide you? How is this information communicated? Can reports be tailored to the specific concerns or areas of concern in your practice? If companies aren’t open to sharing information or don’t feel comfortable being open, they might be hiding something.
When choosing the right company, there are many things you should consider. These questions will help you to evaluate your options. When it comes to making a final decision, the more information you have the better.