There are some simple rules to follow to ensure that you’re getting the best reimbursements for your claims. First of all, make sure that you know exactly what the payer requires for reimbursement on these claims. Next, make sure you document exactly what caused the encounter and what the outcome was. This shows a logical flow of information and will better help the payer see that the services rendered will qualify for full reimbursements.

Additionally, be aware that the RVU system makes no adjustment for codes with modifier 25. Although a plan may pay such claims as the policy allows, insurers that follow CPT rules should generally be paying each CPT code in full in this instance as long as a distinct entry is made on the medical billing form. Additionally, make sure that your charges are consistent and reflect real pricings for services rendered.

A red flag for many payers is two of the following scenarios:

• Enter a $0 charge for the sick visit service (99201-99215), and bill the preventive medicine service (99381-99397) above the contracted rate
• Split the well care charge in half and apply it to the sick visit.

  Remember, raising your price on a single visit may get your entire claim denied. The right way is to charge the usual amount for your services and back up all services with strong documentation.

Undercoding is another way many practices don’t get the full value for their services. If your staff is undercoding your medical billing claims you are definitely missing out on reimbursements. Also, partially paid and rejected claims are also a problem that will stall your revenue flow to a trickle.

If you’re ready to leave the worry of keeping up with the medical billing and coding changes; consider that it might be time to outsource your medical billing to a third party partner. You can rest assured your claims will be coded correctly, the best fitting CPT codes will be used and your claims will be submitted in a timely manner. Additionally, if there are any problems with the claim, your staff won’t have to stop servicing your patients to go pull files and wade through reams of medical billing forms; your medical billing partner will handle those situations too!

Keeping up with the fast paced changes is tough and it shouldn’t affect your business but it does. Look into outsourcing your medical billing in 2009 and reap the rewards all around.