You might feel like gastroenterology billing is really tough because there are so many rules to follow. In your billing process, you have to deal with tons of complicated codes, different insurance companies, and challenges like keeping your documents perfect, staying updated with the latest rules, and handling Prior Authorization. And also, it's important for you to know the key challenges so that you can understand how a professional gastroenterology billing company can help you stay away from those challenges.
Vital challenges that are frequently faced by your in-house team
Navigating the complex nature of the gastroenterology coding process
You have to deal with a lot of codes when you're handling your gastroenterology billing. There are codes for different procedures, body parts, and GI diagnoses. You must understand how to stay on top of all the latest CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS gastroenterology codes. You should always assign CPT code 45378 for the colonoscopy procedure and ICD-10 code Z12.11 for screening purposes- this is just an example for you. Make sure you check all the assigned codes at least two times to avoid any mistakes in your coding process. Don't forget the fact that a single mistake in your coding process can cause your practice to face claim denials, payment delays, and revenue shortages.
Billing multiple insurance companies
Your practice always deals with different insurance payers like Medicare, Medicaid, and other private insurance companies. Your internal team may find it tricky to deal with billing guidelines as each insurance company has its respective set of rules. You must check a patient's insurance to know the primary payer. You should always send the claim to the secondary payer after sending it to the primary payer and don’t forget to include the primary payer's notes. Each payer has their own rules for coding and documentation, so you need to know their guidelines very well. You might also want to use a billing partner or software to help keep everything in order.
Struggling with limited insurance payers
You might run into problems with insurance coverage for some gastroenterology procedures because some of them need prior authorization or certain payers might not cover them. Remember, denials take time and cost you money. Insurance coverage can change depending on the procedure or plan, and your patient's health history can affect it too. Most of the time, your patients' insurance plans will cover the most necessary procedures, but some might not cover certain gastroenterology tests or treatments. Insurance plans could also have limits on procedures or tests, and once those limits are reached, the patient has to pay extra money from their side. Some plans might need pre-authorization for certain procedures, so always check with the insurance company to make sure you know exactly what's covered for your patients.
Frequent changes in the billing domain
The truth is that Medicare and private insurance companies change their billing rules often and failing to stay on top of the latest billing rules can always cause claim denials and delayed payments. Your in-house billing team should always stay on top of all the latest billing guidelines so that you can receive maximized payments on time.
Fortunately, a professional gastroenterology billing company can help you avoid these challenges and make your life much easier. Wondering how?
Let's know how a GI billing company can streamline your overall revenue cycle management process