Here are five ways ASCs can improve their preauthorization process:
1. Collect background information from the patient, including their name, contact information, birthday, social security number, insurance, diagnosis and procedure type.
2. Reach out to payers between 48 hours and two weeks before the scheduled procedure to verify patient benefits for primary and secondary insurance.
3. Become familiar with the physician’s procedures and common changes in approach that may occur during the surgery. Preauthorize CPT codes for those common changes in addition to CPT codes for the planned/documented procedures.
4. Closely monitor correspondence with payers to identify any changes to authorization requirements.
5. Give preauthorization specialists adequate time and resources for training when they join the staff. Closely supervise preauthorization specialists when they’re first getting started.
For three additional tips, visit Surgical Information Systems’ blog post.
More articles on coding, billing and collections:
Global Payments acquiring cloud-based software provider AdvancedMD for $700M — 4 insights
How 5 ASCs are preparing for outcomes-based reimbursement
Maximize your 2018 reimbursements: Know your health plans, know your market, and stay on top of trends
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.