PAPER-LESS IN 2012?
Reading an article by the American Medical Association (AMA) on a paperless New Year, I was surprised to see the first tip they came up with was to submit claims electronically. My reaction was due to the fact that electronic claims submission saves money, makes money, boosts cash flow, frees up time for proper follow-up and reduces the cost of submissions over 50%.
So, why would anyone still be submitting claim on paper? The next few tips had to do with using technology to speed your claims through, get eligibility verifications, check on claim status, get prior authorizations, get electronic remittances and have a verifiable trail that a claim was submitted in a timely fashion. WOW… all that can be done in seconds versus all the time a person would have to use to do this by hand. So, why would anyone not be using technology to make their lives simpler and more efficient, much less more profitable?
The other tip the AMA offered was to do as much as possible with Workers’ comp, Property and Casualty (commonly referred to as PI, personal injury) electronically. This can be a bit more problematic since each state runs their Workers’ Comp differently and attorneys for some reason still love their paper!! But, the main theme of this relatively long article was quite simple… Use Technology to Make Your Office More Efficient and Profitable. So, what is the problem? Where to start seems to be a daunting issue.
Who to trust is also high on the list. Then, who will stay current with the government mandates tickles at the back of one’s mind. May we suggest that trusting a practice management resource who has been in business for a long time and has clients who can verify the level of sophistication, compliance and technology used to help them is the best way to go. Let us know how we can help you sail through all the transitions. Call us for a free assessment and E&M Bell Curve Study.
