Although you might feel helpless when it comes to medical billing, there are some things patients can assist in the process. In this blog post, we will discuss some ways your patients can make the medical billing process smoother for providers.
How Patients Can Improve the Medical Billing Process
The medical billing process can be daunting and confusing, but there are ways that patients can make it easier for themselves and their medical providers.
The first step is for patients to keep track of all medical appointments and procedures. It’s important to remember something as innocuous as a routine doctor’s visit can result in a bill. By keeping track of all appointments, patients will have a better idea of what they should expect to see on their explanation of benefits from their insurance carrier.
Another way to improve the medical billing process is by being proactive and asking questions. If something on the explanation of benefits doesn’t make sense, patients should reach out to their medical provider for clarification. Additionally, if a patient is unsure about whether or not their insurance will cover a particular procedure? Then they should contact their insurance company directly or ask their medical provider to verify their benefits before the procedure is performed.
Finally, it’s important for patients to stay organized. This means keeping track of all medical documents and bills in one place. Having everything in one central location will make it easier for patients to spot errors and discrepancies on their medical bills.
By following these simple tips, patients have a better handle on their coinsurance responsibilities and in turn you should see your patient collections process improve. Remember, to remind patients to call if they have any questions. Keeping an open dialogue is key to collections.
Just because it’s the responsibility of the medical providers to ensure the medical billing process is as seamless doesn’t mean they need to do it alone. RevStream Services is here to help with just that. Click here to learn more about our revenue cycle and case management services for medical providers.