Optimize Your Year-End Billing and Collections for Maximum Revenue

In two weeks, 2023 will come to an end, and this is the perfect opportunity to address those challenges that physical therapy practices often face of ensuring that all outstanding bills are collected promptly. Timely billing and effective collections procedures are crucial for maximizing revenue and maintaining a healthy financial standing. With the right strategies in place, practices can streamline their billing processes, minimize revenue loss, and position themselves for a successful conclusion to the year.

The Importance of Timely Billing and Collections

Delays in submitting claims and collecting payments can have a significant impact on a practice's financial performance. Untimely billing can lead to delayed reimbursements, increased administrative costs, and potential revenue loss. Moreover, outstanding patient balances can strain cash flow, hinder the ability to make necessary investments, and even jeopardize the financial stability of the practice.

Strategies to Enhance Collections Efficiency

To optimize collections efficiency, physical therapy practices should implement clear and consistent follow-up procedures. This includes establishing standardized protocols for sending statements, making phone calls, and pursuing collections through legal means if necessary. Additionally, practices should consider utilizing collection agencies to handle delinquent accounts, particularly those that have become more difficult to collect.

Proactive Coding and Documentation Practices

Accurate coding and documentation are essential for maximizing reimbursement and minimizing denials. Practices should encourage clinicians to adhere strictly to coding guidelines and ensure that documentation is complete, accurate, and timely. Regular coding audits and clinician training can help to identify and address potential coding errors before they lead to claim denials and reduced reimbursements.

Upcoming Changes in Medicare and Insurance Regulations

Physical therapy practices should stay informed about any upcoming changes in Medicare or private insurance policies that may affect their billing and collections processes. These changes may involve revisions to coding guidelines, changes in reimbursement rates, or new documentation requirements. Staying up-to-date on these developments helps practices can adapt their procedures accordingly to ensure compliance and avoid potential disruptions to their revenue streams. Two changes that are coming in January are a small increase in patient deductibles, going from $225 to $240. And there’s some good news: The Medicare Cap is increasing from $2230 to $2330. 

Addressing Common Billing Challenges

Claim denials, coding errors, and patient eligibility verification are common challenges faced by physical therapy practices. Understanding the root causes of these issues, practices can implement strategies to prevent them from occurring in the first place. For instance, establishing a thorough patient eligibility verification process can help avoid claim denials due to incorrect insurance information.

As the year winds down, physical therapy practices should prioritize optimizing their billing and collections processes to maximize revenue and strengthen their financial position. Make sure to implement timely billing practices, enhance collections efficiency, employ proactive coding and documentation strategies, stay informed about regulatory changes, and address common billing challenges, practices can effectively capture their earned revenue and position themselves for a successful end to the year and beyond.

And remember, we offer full-service medical billing for physical therapy practice. Our clients report a reimbursement increase of 25% when compared to their previous billing services. Billing matters. It can make the difference between profit and loss. Learn more about it here.