Tracking Your Medical Claims Reimbursement

                                                                                         

EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) with its attached claims must always be monitored before posting payments to the patient’s account. Responsibly ask yourself, were you reimbursed correctly? Are you sure the claims were processed properly?

Look at the following scenario:

(1) 100% or Full Reimbursement is definitely NOT a good sign! The insurance could have reimbursed you below the maximum based on your fee schedule. The worst scenario would be, you are perhaps charging the insurance lesser or lower than what they are willing to pay on maximum. Do you have your fee schedule? If no, you must request this from the insurance companies that you are contracted with. Always review your contracts.

(2) The EOB shows NO PAYMENT is most likely due to Coding Issues or Non-Coverage of the patient. Make sure you use the proper codes. Be careful with outdated codes. Always discuss coding solution rather than more on what you want to get reimbursed. Consider lack of documentations. Many insurance companies require attached documentations to support medical necessity on each claim submitted. Consider Workman’s Comp or Auto Accident Cases. Managed Care Patients.

(3) The EOB shows “reduced rate” payment. You must suspect that this might be due to improper coding. There might be one or more procedure code lines. Many procedures also require codes for drugs, radiology to be coded separately. Proper use of modifier is also an issue. Use of place of service POS code 11 or such as 22. Most insurance company pays lesser if the procedure is done in an outpatient hospital than in the office. Limitations on number of frequency per day might also be the reason for reduced rates. Non-Authorization is also a possible cause. Be careful with unbundling codes and mutually exclusive procedure codes.

About the author:
Ms.Pinky Mcbanon is an experienced Medical Biller and Coder based in New York. A graduate of Bachelor Science in Computer Engineering. A Medical Practice Billing Consultant and an IT Consultant.

Read more about the author as she shares her knowledge and expertise in her field by visiting her personal website at http://www.justmypassion.com

She shares her expertise and knowledge with http://www.medclaimsplus.com She has extensive knowledge and skill in the area of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Anesthesiology, Surgery, and Physical Therapy.

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