Most ASCs take write-offs with contracted payors at the time of billing (TOB) rather than time of payment (TOP), and the data shows ASCs are collecting more per case. According to a study conducted by GENASCIS, a provider of billing, revenue cycle management services and supporting technologies for surgery centers, 386 of 452 analyzed facilities use TOB as their primary write-off method. These ASCs collect an average of $1,534 per case, while ASCs which used TOP collected $1,496.
The reasons for the benefits of taking time-of-billing write-offs include the following:
∙ TOB adjustments allow staff to work the accounts with the highest net reimbursement rather than the highest charges.
∙ TOB adjustments can catch items (implants, carve outs) that might be missed by the payor.
∙ All contractual adjustments taken at the TOP should be reviewed.
Here are four steps GENASCIS recommends for ASCs to improve their collections relating to write-offs:
1. Make sure contracts are loaded into your information system.
2. Take write-offs at the TOB in order to enable collection staff to focus on collectable revenues and management can better monitor.
3. TOP write-off practice should only be used for out-of-network payors.
4. Providers should always determine how much they are owed and hold payors accountable for paying according to contract since sometimes payors don't process claims correctly.
Learn more about GENASCIS.
Read more from GENASCIS:
- 6 Steps to Improve Collection of Time of Service Patient Co-Pays
- Denied CPT 64495: Q&A With Stacey Miller of GENASCIS
- 4 Steps to Reduce Implant Billing Deficiencies