Tracking denials after a case is billed can help pinpoint coders' and surgeons' areas for improvement, according to Pinnacle III's Bethany Bueno, Specialty Billing Solutions billing operations director.
Ms. Bueno shared the following tip on Pinnacle III's blog.
"Encourage coding staff to take a second look at medical necessity denials. A simple query to the physician can mean the difference between payment and non-payment. Review this information to identify areas for improvement. Denials related to bundling might mean a coder requires additional education on proper modifier use. Medical necessity denials can indicate operative note templates need to be updated or coding staff need additional access to pertinent patient records."
If you would like to share a coding & billing tip to be featured in our "tip of the day" series, please email Angie Stewart at astewart@beckershealthcare.com.