Billing processes can be quite cumbersome not only for physicians but also for patients. As healthcare services have reached sky high prices, most patients cannot afford them especially the treatment and billing of cancer. The radiology treatments, chemotherapies and frequent visits to the physician all sum up to make a very hefty amount so many specialists have proposed that the coverage for treatment of cancer should be affordable enough for patients but it also ensure that the physicians don’t go bankrupt. So in order to be sure about the payments and reimbursements the billing process needs to be comprehensive and free from errors. With continuous advancements in the field of oncology, which dynamic and ever growing, the patients and physicians need to be updated on some tips to ensure comprehensive billing process which benefits both. Here are three quick and easy tips that can definitely help you:
1. Complete Treatment Notes Along With Chemo, Infusion And Hydration
When billing for a diagnosis, most physicians tend to leave out the negative findings although they consume a lot of their time. The tests and examination for different systems for diagnosing negative findings are also part of the services provided so if they are left out the physician will end up getting paid less than what he actually deserves. This can be explained by the following example that for example a patient has been diagnosed with benign cancer but for the safety of the patient and proper treatment the oncologist has to make sure if it has spread to other areas or can result in malignant cancer but it seems fine and he gives medication for it and just writes benign cancer detected which will result in the physician being paid quite less. Thus, there is far more in assessing a patient than just filing the chief complaint both the negative and positive findings need to be included to state the proper examination level of a physician.
2. Listing Accurate Units of Drugs
A very common mistake while documenting drugs is to include incorrect units of drugs used. There are a number of factors involved while listing the number of units of drugs. The most important one of these factors is the fact, that HCPCS has assigned specific billing units but these drugs may be available in different packages as single or multiple dose vials. So it is quite important to properly document and code the units of drugs used in order to get billed properly.
3. Billing With Accurate Place of Service
The place of service is an important component of oncology billing processes which will help a physician claim reimbursements. This is because the place of service provides essential information related to the type of services provided.
Hence, concluding the above three quick tips, proper documentation of the entire diagnosis and treatment process will help you in getting reimbursements as physicians, so that you do not go bankrupt in your attempt to provide your patients with affordable treatment. These tips should be followed closely so ensure a comprehensive oncology billing process.
