2/28/2017 0 Comments 5 steps to managing denied claimsWhen we think of insurance companies and denied claims, we often think about children. They are always toeing the line and begging you to say something. Then, they finally cross the line and get your reaction.
They (The insurance company. Not children.) deny your claim and you appeal. Over and over again. It's like a never ending cycle. But then you get tired. "It's just $50," you say. Then you get angry. You start huffing and puffing at the computer and you complain to your spouse when you get home because the insurance company doesn't understand why this service or procedure was necessary. (Pro tip: Your spouse doesn't care about denied claims. Just leave that one at the office.) A comprehensive article on claim denials would take longer to read than the classic novel Les Miserables, but our goal here is to give you five simple steps to that will put you on the path to a better life.
0 Comments
Last week's email focused on the importance of your practice understanding the changing insurance landscape and patient responsibility as well as the need for a process for collections.
The purpose of this email is to focus on the tone your practice carries as you communicate with your patients in the midst of change and how you can maximize the opportunities your practice has for collections. Do you remember those old debit card commercials that came out around 10 years ago? You know, where everything is running smoothly at a stadium or convenient store when people are using their debit cards and then grinds to a halt when someone pays with cash? Check the video here if you need to brush up on your commercials. (And yes, security chips have ruined everything. Just work with us here!) The point is that there are certain actions that can grind a flowing business to a halt. The security chips certainly fit that billing, but so do certain things in your practice; like phone calls to schedule appointments for your patients. If you really think about it, the vast majority of us do whatever it takes to avoid being on the phone. We will text, use social media, and will even chat with a customer service representative online before hitting that green call button. At VisionAmerica, we are continuously trying to find better ways to serve you, our referring doctors. One of the best ways we have found to do this is by implementing and continuing to develop our online patient scheduling system. Our desire is to empower you and your staff with multiple and efficient options to schedule your patients. Whether it's calling us at (205) 943-4600 or scheduling online, our goal is to make ourselves available to you and your staff 24/7. To schedule online, simply go to our website www.gotovisionamerica.com and click on the link at the bottom right of the home page: "Referring Physician to Schedule an Appointment". Here's how it works: 1. Login to the portal. 2. Choose the location and doctor with which you want to schedule. 3. Choose the reason for appointment. 4. You will be shown multiple appointment options from which to choose. 5. Enter your patient's name, DOB and phone number. 6. We'll take it from there! We'll call your patient to get insurance and demographic information and will mail them directions and information prior to their appointment. Click here for instructions to register and use our online scheduling portal. We hope this is just one more way that we can help better serve you and your patients! (You're on your own with those pesky chip readers...) 2/16/2017 0 Comments Genetics newsletterThe following was written by Dr. Rod Nowakowski who
serves as the Director of Genetic and Advanced Diagnostic Testing for VisionAmerica of Birmingham. Dr. Nowakowski can be reached via email at [email protected] or via phone at (205) 943-4600. Happy New Year! This issue covers some new developments you will hear more about in the coming year. With all the exciting new reports from clinical studies and new technologies, I expect it to be a Happy Genetics New Year for sure. Here's a preview through my crystal ball. FDA Approved Gene Therapy There is no gene therapy in the United States at this time that is FDA approved, but I expect that to change this year. We may see approved therapy for Leber Congenital Amaurosis and possibly Choroideremia as well as some systemic conditions like Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID), hemophilia and others. Unless you have been living under a rock (or just in extreme denial), you have probably picked up on the fact that the insurance landscape has and will continue to undergo drastic changes.
For your medical practice to continue its success, you must have a process in place to collect deductibles and co-pays. In this two-part post (Part two is coming next week!) we will look at steps you can take in order stabilize your books and implement or hone an upfront collections policy. VisionAmerica's Tara Mathias and Cynthia Coley serve on our accounts receivable leadership team in Alabama and have offered the following tips.
In any industry, efficiency is the name of the game. In a perfect world, your office layout would facilitate a nice flow for patients, the EHR would perform flawlessly, everyone would get along, and your life would be easier.
Unfortunately, it rarely ever works that way. And problems in the office place are much like a stone thrown into a pond; one problem's ripples affect the entire office. One of the best ways to simplify processes, limit mistakes, and increase profit margins in your practice is through quality staff training. Unfortunately, staff training is also one of the most neglected practices in any business. |
AuthorThe staff and doctors at VisionAmerica are committed to providing relevant information for you, your patients and your practice. We hope you find the information in our blog post helpful. Archives
August 2019
Categories |