Steps in Medical Billing Process
Steps in Medical Billing Process
Christie Parker
HCR220
September 8, 2013
University of Phoenix
Steps in Medical Billing Process The medical billing cycle is a series of steps that lead to maximum, appropriate, and timely payment for patient’s medical services. The process consists of ten steps that take place before the encounter, during the encounter, and after the encounter. The first step is to preregister the patient; this takes place before the encounter when the patient calls to schedule an appointment. It involves two main tasks, to schedule and update appointments and collect preregistration demographics and insurance information (2014). New patients give basic personal and insurance information. Every patient is asked about the medical reason for the visit. The second step is to establish financial responsibility. This step takes place during the encounter. Insured patients are asked a series of questions essential to knowing to correctly bill payers for patient’s services for that visit. These questions also help medical insurance specialists ensure that patients will pay the bill when insurance does not cover some of the services. The patients are told that they are responsible for any charges not covered by the health plan. Payment options are usually available if the bill will be substantial. The third step, which also happens during the encounter is to check in patients. When there is a new patient that comes in they collect detailed, and complete demographic and medical information at the front desk. Returning patients are asked to make sure information is current and correct and check for any pending balances. Copayment is then collected. During the visit the physician evaluates, treats, and documents procedures preformed and treatment provided. The fourth step is to review coding compliance. Every medical diagnoses and procedure must be assigned a medical code to bill for the visit. This is
Christie Parker
HCR220
September 8, 2013
University of Phoenix
Steps in Medical Billing Process The medical billing cycle is a series of steps that lead to maximum, appropriate, and timely payment for patient’s medical services. The process consists of ten steps that take place before the encounter, during the encounter, and after the encounter. The first step is to preregister the patient; this takes place before the encounter when the patient calls to schedule an appointment. It involves two main tasks, to schedule and update appointments and collect preregistration demographics and insurance information (2014). New patients give basic personal and insurance information. Every patient is asked about the medical reason for the visit. The second step is to establish financial responsibility. This step takes place during the encounter. Insured patients are asked a series of questions essential to knowing to correctly bill payers for patient’s services for that visit. These questions also help medical insurance specialists ensure that patients will pay the bill when insurance does not cover some of the services. The patients are told that they are responsible for any charges not covered by the health plan. Payment options are usually available if the bill will be substantial. The third step, which also happens during the encounter is to check in patients. When there is a new patient that comes in they collect detailed, and complete demographic and medical information at the front desk. Returning patients are asked to make sure information is current and correct and check for any pending balances. Copayment is then collected. During the visit the physician evaluates, treats, and documents procedures preformed and treatment provided. The fourth step is to review coding compliance. Every medical diagnoses and procedure must be assigned a medical code to bill for the visit. This is