2022 Strategies for DME Billing Services
The industry of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) billing
changes its regulatory compliance constantly, making it difficult for providers
to stay up-to-date. As 2022 will see more changes and additions in the billing
system, it is important to focus on minimizing the errors, staying updated with
the latest regulations, and following an efficient billing process. The final
focus is to improve customer service by avoiding mistakes and reducing costs.
What
is DME Billing and How is it Different?
DME billing is used
to bill medical equipment like canes, walkers, hospital beds, standing frames,
infusion equipment, bathroom equipment, pneumatic compressors, trapeze
equipment, and other accessories.
The operational
requirements of DME billing keep changing, and the process has strict
regulatory scrutiny and tight credit markets.
DME billing needs
in-depth knowledge of all HCPCS Level II codes and an understanding of the
complex procedure of reimbursement. The providers need to know how to code
claims properly as DME includes renting equipment more than purchasing. The
codes are specified to the equipment rather than the procedure like in other
types of billing.
Strategies
& Tips for Efficient DME Billing in 2022
Follow
the Process
Firstly, understand
the process correctly. A doctor prescribes medical equipment to the patient.
The reasons of medical necessity will be needed as a document while claiming.
The patient then
goes to the DME supplier. A coder needs to get the provider’s prescription, the
patient’s insurance, and the billing information. Pre-authorization may be
needed, depending on the patient’s insurance. The insurance company first
reviews and verifies the diagnosis and treatment, and only then is the
equipment approved. After the whole paperwork is done, the equipment is handed
over.
Proper
Validation of Insurance
Validate the
insurance before the scheduled appointment day. This ensures you can make
changes to the
policy, if any, in time. You may verify the insurance by calling, validating
the coverage with online resources, or using EMR for verification. If the
equipment/service is not covered in that insurance, it can lead to payment
delays.
Collect
Fees Upfront
When any equipment
is provided, ensure that the co-insurance and co-pays are also collected.
Maintain a good check-out process that also checks past dues or deductibles.
Hence, the collection of fees is done before the patient leaves.
Minimize
Coding Errors
Use of correct codes
and billing the claim to the insurance company is also important. Make sure
each and every piece of the equipment or accessory is billed and coded for.
Several
providers have lost
reimbursement amounts only due to errors in coding. All staff that handles
coding should keep a track of ICD-10-CM, CPT-4, and HCPCS coding.
Document
Management
Handling and
managing so many documents can be a task and may invite errors. Haphazard ways
can result in data loss or incorrect entries and then claim denials. Form a
good document management system ensuring efficient organizing, storing, and
retrieving of information. Scanning documents and making them digital can help
in effortless viewing or sharing without any fuss.
Take extra care and
protect the information of each client. Ensuring data safety is of utmost
importance. The
staff members should coordinate with each other concerning information access
and performance accountability.
Use
the Latest Systems for Better AR Management
Achieving a higher
DME revenue cycle is only possible when there is effective AR management. Get
rid of out-dated AR applications and bring in the application with updates and
changes in the healthcare industry. Rely on
manage patient data,
follow-ups, claims, and reimbursements. It can help automate patient
collections and simplify billing and coding.
Stay
Updated with the Regulatory Challenges
These challenges are
constantly changing, and all staff must adhere to them for proper
reimbursements. Always maintain routine compliance audits to keep track of
everything new and correct the errors happening frequently.
Proper
Claim Management
Alert applications,
automation in EHR
(Electronic Health Records),
and a digital management system can help handle the claims effectively. The
claims management process should be maintained for an effective workflow.
Correcting and following up on rejected claims is necessary to keep the
reimbursements coming. The more successful claims are, the more financial
stability your business gets.
Outsourcing
to the Rescue
Outsourcing can be a
great solution to all the challenges you face in DME Billing. A team of experts
that regularly updates themselves with all the new rules and regulations can
effectively manage you’re A/R collection
process and make sure the reimbursements keep flowing in without rejections.
Outsourcing can also help you focus on a good customer experience. With
constant automation, reiterate the importance of human emotion.
Outsourcing your DME
Billing to 24/7 Medical Billing Services can help speed up your practices and
get higher revenues in 2022. We are HIPAA-compliant with a team of experts that
can help you with a reliable DME billing service.
About 24/7 Medical Billing Services:
We are a medical billing company that offers ‘24/7
Medical Billing Services’ and support physicians, hospitals, medical
institutions and group practices with our end to end medical billing solutions.
We help you earn more revenue with our quick and affordable services. Our
customized Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) solutions allow physicians to attract
additional revenue and reduce administrative burden or losses.
Contact:
24/7 Medical Billing Services
Tel: +1 888-502-0537
Email: info@247medicalbillingservices.com
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