Bài giảng Medical Assisting - Chapter 17: Patient Billing and Collections

ChapterPowerPoint® to accompany Second EditionRamutkowski  Booth  Pugh  Thompson  WhickerCopyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.Medical AssistingChapter 171Objectives: 17-1 Discuss the importance of accounts receivable to a medical practice. 17-2 Explain how to accept and account for payment from patients. 17-3 Prepare an invoice. 17-4 Manage a billing cycle efficientlyPatient Billing and Collections 2Objectives (cont.) 17-5 Describe standard collection techniques. 17-6 Explain how to perform a credit check. 17-7 Identify credit arrangements. 17-8 Recognize common collection problems.Patient Billing and Collections 3Introduction Medical Assistants will take on duties that are administrative in natureCustomers have various payment optionsThird party payers (insurance carriers)Payment plansSome have large outstanding balances A proper understanding and administration of billing as well as payment collection methods is required4Basic Accounting Managing accounts receivable (money owed to the business) and accounts payable.Converts practice’s account receivable delete into readily available income.5Standard Payment ProceduresPrefer to collect payments from patients at each office visitDetermine appropriate feesRelative Value Unit (RVU)Doctor’s skill and timeProfessional liability expensesOverhead costsThis methodology has reduced the growth rate of spending for doctors’ professional services, related services and supplies, and other Medicare B services.6Processing Charge SlipsCharge slips are also called fee slip or transaction slipsNumbered consecutivelyPreprinted with common services and chargesGive each patient one when entering the office that includes date and patient’s name.7Accepting PaymentAs the patient leaves you will ask for paymentMost practices accept:cashcheckcredit cardsinsurance 8Pegboard SystemEach transaction on four different formsReduces errors and saves timeCalled “one-write” systemUses lightweight board with pegsDaily log sheetsPatient ledger cardCharge slipsDeposit slips9Determining Payment ResponsibilityThird party – responsibility to pay by insurance companyMinors – Parents or legal custodyProfessional courtesy – doctor charges for what the insurance will pay or free10Standard Billing Procedures Preparing InvoicesUsing codes on the invoiceUsing ledger cardsGenerating computer invoice Using independent billing servicesSending invoices electronicallyPrepare an invoice to mail to the patient who does not pay when services are rendered or who makes only a partial payment.11Managing Billing CyclesCycle billing is a common billing system that bills each patient only once a month but spreads the work of billing over the month.Invoice groups of patients every few days 12Standard Collection ProceduresStatue of limitations – set time limit on when a collection suit on a past due account can legally be filed.Open book account –open to charges made occasionallyWritten contract account – contract with patient to pay over four installationsSingle entry account- account with only one charge13Using Collection TechniquesInitial telephone calls or lettersDo not call patients at work or leave a message on an answering machine.Call the patient at home 14Preparing StatementsA statement is an invoice that contains a courteous reminder that payment is due.Collection letter60 days – nice but firm90 days – stronger wording120 days send a final letter about payment or giving the account to a collection agency.15Preparing an Age AnalysisThe process of classifying and reviewing past due accounts by age from the first date of billing.List all patients account balances when the charges originated.Use patient ledger cards and color coded tags to indicate the number of days past due.Click for SampleAge Analysis16Sample Age AnalysisBack17Laws of Debt CollectionFair Debt Collection Practices Act of 1977Do not call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.Do not make threats or use profane language.Do not discuss patient’s debt with anyone else.Do not use any form of deception or violence to collect a debt.Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991Do not use an automated dialing device for calls to patients.18Observing Professional GuidelinesAppropriate to assess finances charges or late charges on past due accounts if the patient is notified in advance.Must adhere to federal and state guidelines that govern these charges.The physician should use compassion and discretion when assigning charges in hardship cases.19Using Outside Collection AgenciesSelect a collection agency to manage the account.Must be careful to avoid collection agencies that use harsh or harassing collection practices.Give agency only needed information about non-medical information.20 Performing a Credit CheckEmployment VerificationCredit Bureau Reports – a company that provides information about the credit worthiness of a person seeking credit.21 Laws Governing CreditEqual Credit Opportunity ActMay not deny credit based on patient’s sex, race, religion, national origin, martial status, or age.Truth in Lending ActCovers credit agreements that involve more than four paymentsMust sign, discuss, and retain copies of a disclosure statement22 Common Collection ProblemsHardship casesPatients may be poor, uninsured, or underinsuredPatient relocation and address changesRemember not to discuss a debt with anyone except the person responsible for the charge23Apply Your KnowledgeWhat is cycle billing ? Cycle billing is a common billing system that bills each patient only once a month but spreads the work of billing over the month-Answer24Summary Medical Assistant Obtain payments by cash, check, or credit cards at the time medical services are provided. You may assign the fee for these services and collect payment.25End of ChapterEnd of Chapter26