Medical billing has evolved significantly over the years. From the era of one small pocket book for codes to computer Assisted coding (CAC), we have come a long way in way we bill, denials we get and efforts it takes to get claims processed.
AUTOMATION IN BILLING
Introduction of EHR and practice management software has brought almost 95% automation in claim submission, insurance management, obtaining and processing remittances and patient billing.
CODING
From looking up codes in CPT books to using tools and software for coding has made coding relative faster and easier. New codes are being added and some older, less specific codes are being deleted. Codes for remote management of chronic disease and conditions are being added.
VIRTUAL MEDICAL CARE
Although there were provisions of coding for telemedicine, it was permitted in specific rural and sparsely inhibited areas. Due to COVID, one of the major changes witnessed was the national approval for telemedicine and remote management for cases that could be handled through Virtual media and avoid in person contact.
Although we are recovering from the pandemic, telemedicine has become an acceptable mode of medical practice.
MEDICAL BILLING OUTSOURCING
With so many changes, increasing cost, major deficiency of skilled manpower, enrollment, insurance verification, submission of claims and follow ups; medical billing is becoming more and more challenging. To make this process more streamlined and to overcome the hurdle of lack of manpower, more and more practices are looking outsourcing medical billing. Medical billing is not a commodity but a service industry. Physicians and patients need a more personalized experience when they call for their bill and a 100% confidence that their health and financial information will not be sold to black market or used anywhere else. All this cannot be done with outsourcing billing to a national company, but a local company can be a big boost. They reduce the cost involved and leave the office staff with more time to take care of the patient and do the medical part of the business. There are talks of single payer system, but there is still a lot to be done till that happens and will still leave a need for medical billing.
Constantly changing scenarios, new codes, new guidelines and most never-ending lack of skilled manpower; using a billing company will reduce your back-office load and provide more time to practice Medicine.
PURVA SOBTI, CPC (AAPC)
M.SC MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
