Proper claims submission is critical for the financial health of your dental practice. How can you improve your accuracy?
In the world of health care, accurate claims submission is critical, whether you’re at a small family dental practice or a large practice with multiple dentists. When you aren’t submitting claims properly, it will take even more time and money to get things fixed—and it will take longer for you to get the money that you’re owed. How can you improve claims submission at your dental practice?
Gather Information Early and Often
The first step in improving claims submission is improving the accuracy of your patient information collection. Start by collecting comprehensive patient information during their initial visit. Accurate personal details, insurance information, and a thorough medical history are the foundation of a successful claim. Make sure that you regularly update patient records to reflect any changes, which can help avoid discrepancies that may lead to claim denials.
Code With Care
Accurate coding is another crucial element of successful claims submission. Ensure that all procedures and diagnoses are coded correctly and using the most recent codes. Every time that updates come out, make sure you train your staff and keep them abreast of any changes.
Document Clearly and Consistently
Documentation matters for claims submission at any dental practice. Set standards for your dental team that allow you to maintain meticulous records of treatments, including images, x-rays, and any other relevant notes. Clear documentation will support the codes that you submit and also help to document the entire course of treatment. In an ideal world, you’ll never need to use this documentation. However, it will be invaluable in the event of a claim rejection.
Use the Right Technology
Leverage dental practice management software to streamline your claims submission process. The best platforms have built-in features that help with accurate coding, real-time verification of insurance eligibility, and electronic claims submission. Companies like APEX Reimbursement Specialists can help you find the right technology solutions for your needs.
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Even if you submit a claim that looks perfect on paper, a claim denial can still occur. It is important to address these rejections promptly. Investigate the cause of the claim denial, correct the error, and resubmit the claim as soon as possible. Timely responses can significantly expedite the reimbursement process.
Work with Experts to Make Billing and Payment Easy
Whether you’re looking for a way to make the insurance verification process easier or hoping to improve your overall patient communication plan, consider contacting companies with proven track records in helping dental practices. You can contact the APEX Reimbursement Specialists team by calling (410) 710-6005.
The company also recommends that practices aim to prioritize the patient experience in a variety of ways, including improving their billing processes. Communication is one key method, asmany patients are unsure of their dental coverage, and a little education can go a long way.
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