EMR System Solved the Most Common Coding and Billing Mistakes According to Chhoda
Denville, NJ (PRWEB) October 02, 2013 -- “The current economy, new healthcare legislation and rising costs are placing pressure on insurance providers to scrutinize each reimbursement request closer than ever,” said Chhoda. “An integrated EMR software contains the tools to eliminate common and expensive mistakes, and handles new array of ICD-10 codes that take effect in 2014.”
Chhoda said that coding and billing is a specialized field. Clinicians of today should also explore hiring a trained and knowledgeable coding specialist versed in EMR technology. He added that this is an expense that will far outweigh the cost through increased revenue collection. With EMR, practitioners will see a drastic reduction in the number of rejections and denials.
Having small mistakes is the most common thing that creates the biggest problems which can delay reimbursements. Illegible, handwritten notes are a major problem for clinicians and an EMR eliminates the problem with one-touch digital records.
According to Chhoda, some common mistakes that generate denials in the medical billing process include identifying the patient with the wrong gender as well as giving dates that don’t match. Clinics utilizing out-dated codes slow reimbursements and those who don’t code when a multiple diagnosis is made is the same as throwing money away.
Chhoda added that failure to bill all the services a client receives is another prime source of lost revenue. Modern clinics offer a variety of treatments and ancillary services, and they may be overlooked during the billing process. X-rays, lab work, supplies dispensed in the office, and medications all represent ways in which a clinic is being robbed of its full income. An EMR contains the ability to alert practitioners when an error occurs, allowing it to be corrected before the claim is submitted.
Having a complete physical therapy documentation is a hallmark of EMR, but even with a state-of-the-art system, coders can’t bill without complete information. Chhoda said clinicians should never assume that the coder knows a service or treatment was provided. Therapists should always note every service in clear and precise detail, referrals and consultations included, enabling coders to bill at the highest level acceptable.
EMRs are wonders of modern technology. It has the ability to identify errors, accurately code and document an extensive array of treatments and procedures, and submit claims electronically. Chhoda’s new data provides practitioners with information about the most common coding and billing errors, and the means to reduce the problem significantly for a financially healthy practice.
Chhoda’s office can be reached by phone at 201-535-4475. For more information, visit the website at http://www.emrnews.com.
About Nitin Chhoda
Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT is a licensed physical therapist, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and an entrepreneur. He is the author of "Physical Therapy Marketing For The New Economy" and "Marketing for Physical Therapy Clinics" and is a prolific speaker, writer and creator of products and systems to streamline medical billing and coding, electronic medical records, health care practice management and marketing to increase referrals. He has been featured in numerous industry magazines, major radio and broadcast media, and is the founder of Referral Ignition training systems and the annual Private Practice Summit. Chhoda speaks extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Asia. He is also the creator of the Therapy Newsletter and Clinical Contact, both web-based services to help private practices improve communication with patients, delivery better quality of care and boost patient retention.
Nitin Chhoda, EMR News, http://www.nitin360.com, +1 (201) 535-4475, [email protected]
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