1 Fees, Billing, Fees, Billing, Collections, and Collections, and Credit Credit Lesson 1: Lesson 1: Fees, Billing, Collections, Fees, Billing, Collections, and Credit and Credit
Jan 12, 2016
11Fees, Billing, Fees, Billing, Collections, and Collections, and CreditCreditLesson 1:Lesson 1:Fees, Billing, Collections, Fees, Billing, Collections, and Creditand Credit
Lesson Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to …
Discuss how fees are determined and be able to discuss this with patients.
Describe the various billing methods and preparation of billing statements.
Identify the patient information required at the time of registration and thereafter to maintain the records needed for billing.
Lesson Objectives
Explain credit policy. List the steps in the collection process and
identify the legalities involved. List the benefits of using electronic
medical records.
1. How do physicians set their fees?
2. What factors might they consider?
Services
Time
Going rate
Usual fee
Customary
Reasonable fee
Inform prior to first appointment
Info. should include costs, office policies, and credit procedures
Via Phone and mailPost fees in the office
Collect $ at the time of the service
Billcollection agency
to bill the insurance carrier on behalf of the pt
permission to forward info to the ins. company
placed in file and updated annually
View pearson’s DVDChp. 15
Fees, billing, collections, credit
charge slip or statement or insurance reporting form
Two- or three-part carbonized form
comprehensive list of pt services w/ codes and fees
one is attached to the chart. The physician marks the services provided.
A copy is then provided to the patient
used to report services to the ins. carrier
View pearson’s DVD◦ Chp 19
Insurance coding
Be sure and update this information every 6 to 12 months.
name of patient Date of birth address (no PO Box) Telephone numbers Address and telephone of nearest relative
Insurance information Driver’s license number
Manual billing Computerized billing
Once-a-month
Cycle billing
Third-party payers
Assignment of benefits ensures direct payment to the physician
Minors can be billed if emancipated
remind patients of their obligation to pay
obtain payment at the time of service
Provide a billing statement
immediate payment Use charge slips or superbills Secure accurate information about the
pt Inform pts of their responsibilities Outline all fees and finance charges to
the pt Confirm if third-party responsibility
exists
Be consistent in following office policies on billing
Establish collection procedures as needed
Follow up on all commitments made by pts
Pt is unable to pay
pt does not understand the bill
Loss of revenue
1. What collection techniques do you think would be most effective, and why?
Personal interview
Reminder notices placed on bills mailed to patients
Telephone calls Collection letters inserted with monthly statements
Use of a collection agency
Never threaten Do not call the patient’s workplace
Identify the personNever show anger Be honest
Do not harass
Ask when payment should be expected and document
Politely thank the patient
An individual who owes money but has moved and left no forwarding information
pt who files for bankruptcy is protected by the court
all collection attempts must cease the medical office must file a claim for payment with the courts
Upon death, outstanding bill should be sent to the estate
aging accounts that are more than two or three years old, investigate the statute of limitations