Chiropractors across the country are facing a common challenge – the mind numbing complexity of medical billing. Chiropractic billing was never an easy task but recent changes in medical codes, forms and billing processes have all but forced chiropractors to throw in the towel. Chiropractic billing services are proving to be cheaper options that not only manage insurance claims but also the practice’s accounts receivables and payables, patient billing and payment tracking.

Outsource chiropractic billing services – why is it important?

The decision to outsource chiropractic billing services depends on the practice’s size and productivity. Practices that are making marginal profits cannot justify the cost of hiring chiropractic billing and coding services. Those that are earning well buy a computer and do the billing themselves or delegate the responsibility to in-house personnel. However, billing complexity causes frustration in in-house billing departments leading to pileup of work, pending claims, delayed payments and patient dissatisfaction.

Chiropractic billing is a complex job that demands knowledge of medical codes, forms, procedures, and insurance claim processes. Even with software to help, you cannot start clearing claims immediately. Medical billing companies have the skills, expertise, and knowledge to make chiropractic billing quick and productive. Apart from charging reasonable rates, these service providers ensure the confidentiality and security of patient data – a fundamental concern of all chiropractors.

What do chiropractic billing services offer chiropractors?

Most chiropractic billing services use medical billing software to process and track medical claims electronically. Some of them have software specific to chiropractic practices. Electronic claims get paid in 10 days as compared to 6 weeks of waiting with paper claims. However, software alone cannot bring results. Chiropractic billers need to be experts in diagnostic coding and claim filing procedures.

Chiropractic coding and billing services offer chiropractors various service packages that include some or all of the following:

1. paper and electronic claim submissions
2. patient and insurance enrollment
3. appointment scheduling
4. insurance verification and authorization
5. software
6. billing and reconciling accounts
7. collections
8. AR (Accounts Receivable) collections
9. software upgrades
10. aging reports on pending payments
11. reports on open claims
12. process improvement
13. QA checks

How much do Chiropractic billing services cost?

Some chiropractic billing services charge a fixed fee per active account as it is easier to track and compensate for inactive accounts. Once the practice is stable and earning consistently, the billing service charges a fixed monthly amount irrespective of accounts. Some billing services charge an hourly rate of around $25. Some charge a per claim fee that is as low as 37 cents if the chiropractor enters the claim information into the system. However, if the billing service enters the information, the charge can be $2-$3 per claim.

A popular method of charging is a percentage of the collection, not the billed amount. Billing services that offer practice management services usually offer this payment option. Billing services should also use software that can be modified inexpensively to accommodate changes in HCFA claim requirements.

By partnering with chiropractic billing services, chiropractors have successfully improved billing and collection procedures and met their fiscal goals. They can focus on their practice, confidently knowing the financial end of the business is in good hands.

Tags: medical billing

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