Physicians: Start Gaining Income You Are Already Doing the Work For!

So earlier in the week we discussed some of the perils of dealing with requests for record releases http://ontariomedicalbillingblog.blogspot.ca/2012/08/have-you-inadvertently-opened-up-your.html , today we're going to take a look at how you can increase your income for dealing with those cumbersome record releases and Attending Physician Statement requests. Every clinic who has dealt with a request from an insurance company has received that faxed request that asks for certain information and tells you how much they are "approved" to pay for the information requested. So the logical process is to complete the work and invoice for the amount approved, right?

NO! Stop! Ask yourself if the "approved" amount actually covers your time and expenses? You are under absolutely no obligation to be bullied by insurance companies or to let them dictate what YOUR invoice will be. Insurance companies save a TON of money by noting the "approved" amount and medical clinics falling in line only billing the "approved" number. They want to get those records/reports as soon as possible so you don't need to worry that you will delay the process; most of what is said on that initial form is purely tactics to get you to do what they want. As soon as that faxed request comes in you should promptly ignore the "approved" amount and calculate exactly what your invoice will be, of course ensuring compliance with the OMA suggested rates. Next step should be to send your own fax back to the company stating exactly what your fee will be. The form you send should have a section where you receive a signed and dated agreement from the insurance company BEFORE you even begin to complete their request. Insurance companies have been known to go back on what they say unless there is written proof, this form is your clarification, time saver and written proof all in one.

Most physicians groan whenever they receive one of these insurance company requests because they feel as though they are severely underpaid; the reality is they are only underpaid because they are being manipulated. Now that you know the tactics, you can take a deep breath and increase your income based on work you are already completing. Just make sure that the final invoice is in line with the recommended OMA rates.

In our next blog we will touch on appropriate wait times and how long it should take for your information release turnaround. We are currently putting the finishing touches on a Record Release Package that will include a form (as noted above) to send back to the insurance company for clarification and written proof. The package will also include an information pamphlet for front desk staff and other resources to increase your income and make your clinic run smoothly and legally compliant. The package will be $30.00, if you are interested shoot us an email at administration@ombis.ca .