Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill to end surprise medical billing May 21. The law, which takes effect January 2020, prohibits insurers from billing patients seeking emergency care in an out-of-network emergency room and from billing patients for a non-emergency procedure at an in-network hospital. Insurers also can’t balance bill patients seeking emergency care in an out-of-network facility in a state that borders Washington.
The Washington law also stipulates that insurers pay out-of-network providers and facilities for the care their enrollees receive.
More articles on coding, billing and collections:
3 ways ASCs can improve cash flow
3 ASC surgery coding errors to avoid
HOPD payments higher in states with percent-of-charge fees or no fee schedule — 3 insights
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 18–20 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
