Neurology practices face the problem of inaccurate billing and coding. Documentation requirements are specific and complex, placing a significant burden on clinicians. For this reason, medical billing and coding in neurology must be accurate to ensure proper billing and payment.
Don’t worry about it! Check out this article for tips on successful billing and coding in neurology.
An Overview of Neurology Medical Billing & Coding Services
Neurology deals with disorders, diagnoses, and treatments of the nervous system. It includes disorders of both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Neurologists and neurosurgeons treat disorders of the nervous system using either surgical or non-surgical methods. By covering more than one aspect of neurology, they demonstrate an incredible level of expertise and attention to detail. Neuromuscular disease, sleep disorders, stroke, and epilepsy are just a few of the areas neurologists can cover.
Coding and billing in neurology require a high level of attention to detail. In a sense, it is an extension of Evaluation & Management.
On the other hand, there are over a hundred codes for coding neurological and neuromuscular tests. Therefore, it is difficult for coders to apply the correct code.
In addition, billing and coding professionals in neurology should be familiar with the specific codes and rules for this field. This is because neurologists treat patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and practices. Only a company with experts in neurology billing can handle this complexity.
For neurologists, broad and deep expertise is key to successful billing. This includes collecting all monies owed to the neurosurgeon, responding to payer inquiries, and appealing denied claims.
Check Out These Useful Tips for Successful Neurology Billing and Coding
Courtesy Makes Communication Effective
Medical billers and coders do not work behind closed doors. These professionals are likely to deal with patients, insurers, payers, and other stakeholders in the healthcare system. For some of them, however, discussions can be difficult.
For example, frustration can arise when a claim is not processed or is in process. Therefore, billing and coding teams must always be courteous to everyone they work with, as they act as a “bridge” between insurance companies, physicians, and patients.
Regular Training of Staff Is Important
Your staff needs to be trained in the latest practices for claims settlements to be faster. Be sure it’s being done according to plan so that they are ready to service the needs of patients. If possible, training should be uninterrupted. By training the staff in the fee-for-value model, they will understand how to increase patient satisfaction in the practice.
Verify Patient Benefits
Neurology practices should verify all patient co-payments, deductibles, and copays prior to treatment. All required authorizations and procedures should also be confirmed as part of the enrollment process.
Similarly, neurologists must maintain accurate records and medical histories so that timely counseling can be provided and reimbursements can be processed in a timely manner. It is also important to track patient-prescribed tests and monitor outstanding bills.
Pay Attention to the Details
In neurology medical billing, coders use thousands of different medical codes for various procedures. While it is unrealistic to expect a person (or medical coder) to know every medical code, they should be familiar with where the most common ones are located. Remember that careless errors may delay payment processing and, eventually, cause the payment to be delayed or denied.
Comply With HIPAA
Healthcare professionals also constantly work with the billing department and the patient’s health information. In fact, the (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) HIPAA obligates these professionals to protect patients’ privacy in these cases. For medical billing companies to succeed, they must possess sound judgment and operate with the highest levels of reliability.
Implementation of the ICD-10 Coding System
ICD-10-CM provides more clinical detail, better specificity, and relevance to managed care and outpatient settings. To avoid delays in billing claims, make sure your coders, billers, and practice staff are familiar with the latest codes (FAST AND ACCURATE COVID-19) and CPT codes. This will also ensure error-free billing and accurate records for future inspections. billing and accuracy in records for future inspections.
Partner With a Reliable Medical Billing Company
By partnering with a reliable billing company, you can eliminate billing errors. Their staff consists of billing experts, who are under their command. They also utilize automation and work with all major health insurance carriers. With them, you can focus more on your patients and reduce the administrative burden.
Coding Levels Should Be Precise
For each patient, it is crucial to use the correct coding level to prevent cloning claims. The coding level should correspond to the level of illness. Otherwise, an audit can result if billing is done for all patients at the same level.