Efficient Medical Billing ? Coding Updates

Posted by Ecareindia on July 22nd, 2013

The HIPAA 5010 migration, ICD-10 Implementation are some changes that have not only revolutionized the healthcare domain, but also imposed a huge responsibility on medical billing and coding companies in the US. Yes! It has forced several medical billing companies to update their outdated software and mapping techniques to current standards for efficient medical billing. In addition, US medical billing companies must keep tabs on the healthcare domain for new updates in medical billing and coding. Let’s take a look at the vital aspects that they should consider to keep their code sets updated:

CMS Updates: It is highly advisable that medical billing companies sign up for the October release of coding updates that CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) announces every year. These annual updates are very important as they determine the precision of medical billing, charge entry and the overall denial percentage.  All of these parameters impact the collections and ultimately their invoice-able revenue.

Payer Specific Changes: Medical billing companies should first understand that each Payer has its own reimbursement guideline. Updates in the reimbursement patterns, coding techniques and even the codes to be used differ from one Payer to another. For instance, Medicare’s coding techniques vary from Cigna’s or BCBS’s. Therefore, medical coding outsourced companies must make sure that they process their claims as per the payer-specific guidelines and codes.

State-Specific Changes: Medical billing and coding methods are state-specific as well. If one of the states in the US plans to update its reimbursement methodology, it will submit a State Plan Amendment (SPA), which will be reviewed by CMS for approval. The State has to publicize the change to all Providers belonging to it before the amendment takes effect in the form of the LCD (Local Coverage Determination). Now, it’s up to the Providers and medical billing and coding companies to update their database with new changes. 

Updating all these changes might sometimes hinder the normal workflow of a medical billing company. Medical coding outsourcing would be the best solution in that instance. Get help from e-Care for timely updating of codes, Charge masters and efficient medical billing and coding.

About e-Care India:

e-Care India is one of the renowned medical billing companies in India that promises the above mentioned benefits with total customer satisfaction. With 13 years of experience in the industry, e-Care’s offshore delivery centers have been providing end-to-end medical billing and coding and medical coding outsourcing services seamlessly to its clients. To know more about e-Care and its services, log on to http://www.ecareindia.com/

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Ecareindia
Joined: June 20th, 2011
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