As all doctors and medical practice managers know, billing is time-consuming, complicated and expensive. Fortunately, there are a number of great medical billing service providers who can handle these tasks for you at a reasonable price. However, it can be difficult to determine which provider is best for your business. Here are a few tips for finding an experienced firm you can trust.
Read the Fine Print
While it will take some time, read the terms and conditions and other documents each service company provides. While the information on their website is probably accurate, there may be some catches that are hard to find. Compile information to give yourself a full overview of what each provider will cost. If you have any questions, call to ask.
Ask Other Clients
Ask the current (and possibly previous) customers of the firm for feedback about their experiences. If you go through the provider to search out these customers, they’re likely to put you in contact with only those who have had positive experiences. So, ask other local medical centers and find out which provider they use. Internet forums and other online resources may also provide helpful information like this.
Compile Questions to Ask
Before calling a representative, make a list of questions to ask. It can be difficult to remember important questions while you’re on the phone, so think them through carefully before calling and don’t feel bad about taking their time. Because these kinds of contracts tend to be expensive, medical billing service providers typically give their representatives as much time as they need to make a sale.
Ask About Growth
Practice managers often seek out a medical billing provider to help them handle a growth spurt, and many expect to see even more growth in the future. If this is what you’re anticipating for your practice, it’s important to determine how your costs will change. Some billing companies may be appropriate for smaller practices but may not be a great fit for larger practices. Others provide discounts for large practices. Make sure you choose a provider that is prepared to grow with your business.
Be Wary of Lock-In
Over time, you may determine that a particular provider isn’t the best choice for your practice. So, before you sign up with one provider, determine how much it will cost to move to a different one. Some require lengthy contracts that would be expensive to break. Flexibility can cost a bit, but the premium required may be worth spending.
Choosing the right medical billing service provider can help you streamline your operations and save time and money. Choosing the wrong one, however, can be expensive. Time your time when comparing providers, and consult with other users for feedback.
Contact MBA Medical to request a consultation today. Call 360-687-5221 or send us a quick message.