Alpharetta, Ga.-based Surgical Information Systems' Jho Outlaw, senior vice president of revenue cycle services, and Jessica Nelson, director of revenue cycle services shared their insights on the common obstacles that prevent an ASC being paid in a recent webinar. Surgical Information Systems summarized the questions Ms. Nelson and Ms.Outlaw were asked on their blog.
Here are the insights they shared:
1. In the case of a payer not giving out names or authorization numbers for pre-certification, Ms. Nelson and Ms. Outlaw said asking the insurer to provide a different reference point can encourage payer representatives to give more information.
2. For dealing with surgeons who do not dictate timely, the speakers recommended collecting physician data to show a medical director or lead physician who is and isn't doing a good job. Investing in dictation technology can make it easier for physicians to complete their tasks in a timely manner.
3. In response to a question about tracking clinical documentation discrepancies, Ms. Nelson and Ms. Outlaw said utilizing technology that streamlines tracking like a "request for information tool that categorizes the queries sent back to surgeons.
4. For ASCs that don't have implant carve-outs in their contracts should renegotiate contracts to ensure the center's success, the speakers said. Making it a priority to look at the costs of implants can help determine how much money an ASC is losing when implants aren't covered.