Billing 101 for Mental Health Professionals

Lucky, it’s a pretty straightforward process…you just need to know where to start. Sometimes when eligibility responses come back it will explain what’s “in-network” and “out of network”. They’re mental health billing for dummies a 5-digit code that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created to instill uniformity.

Outsource Mental Health Billing Services

The past and present status of that client’s insurance policy through a particular insurance company’s coverage. Business News Daily provides resources, advice and product reviews to drive business growth. Our mission is to equip https://www.facebook.com/BooksTimeInc/ business owners with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. Eligibility checking also falls under the category of must-have reporting features.

Always Double-Check Each Patient’s Insurance

However, if you think that the claim is correct as it is, you can write a letter or fill out a specific payer form. Whether you send this to the payer by mail or upload it to their portal, this process of disputing a denial is called an appeal. Well, as I alluded to earlier, the claims that come from hospital visits differ from those in the behavioral health world.

Submit Claims Properly

Refile claims that have been received and rejected, you normally have a longer time to refile claims as corrected. Use digital claims processing when possible for better tracking of your claims and data and faster claims submission. Normally digital options to have a cost, for EHRs, so consider your options in choosing an online tool. You will need the claim ID or claim number for each date of service to refile your claims. Call the same company using the same eligibility and benefits number and ask for claims processing and EOB accounting. Call up the phone number on the back of their insurance card and begin the process of verifying eligibility and benefits.

POS codes identify the https://www.bookstime.com/bookkeeping-services/fresno physical location where a healthcare service is provided. Mental health practitioners typically use POS codes such as “11” for office settings and “02” for telehealth or virtual visits. Providers use ICD codes to describe the diagnosis and treatment that is provided to patients As per the new update, F99 is an ICD-10-CM code that can indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

• A thorough comprehension of the billing process is critical for mental health providers.
• Billing in mental health services is new for most mental health practitioners, so what do the terms eligibility and benefits mean?
• Unless you outsource all billing to a third party, you should arm yourself with tech and reporting capabilities that smooth the process and position you for success.
• A VOB checks the patient’s policy regarding the service they are visiting for and gives providers information that is not available from a patient’s insurance number.
• Mental health professionals should be aware of the reimbursement rates for different codes to ensure they are appropriately compensated for their services.
• The significance of streamlined mental health billing cannot be overstated.
• Insurance companies require documentation of medical necessity to approve reimbursement for mental health services.