Author Topic: Billing with multiple doctors  (Read 3563 times)

spinedc

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Billing with multiple doctors
« on: March 07, 2012, 04:36:55 PM »
Hello.  I work in a 2 doctor/chiropractic office.  Both of the doctors are sole proprietors using their own SS# and credentialed with each NPI with insurance plans.  Currently, the billing goes out according to which doctor (using his SS# and NPI #) saw the patient but also under the office name of "Office Name Chiropractic" (not real name).  The office  is not incorporated.  One of the doctors plan on being incorporated and the other doctor is not.   My question to you is, can one doctor be incorporated and one not be and still use the Doing Business as Office Name in the billing along with the corporation name?  Can 2 doctors that work under the same roof have separate corporations?  Any input on how two sole proprietors can work under the same roof but run their own and separate practice.  I thank you in advance.

DMK

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Re: Billing with multiple doctors
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2012, 04:54:04 PM »
Yes, there can be 2 chiros under one roof with separate businesses (DBA's).  I've done it.  I can NOT stress strongly enough, however, how important it is to have EVERYTHING separate.  And have a contract outlining who pays for what, and who's responsible for what, under that roof.  They will eventually split, and it's easier to split when things are separate.

One doctor can have an "S" corporation (in some states, not in others).

Be especially careful that BOTH docs have liability insurance and malpractice insurance SEPARATELY. 

The big wrench comes when they see each other's patients.  Be very careful that it gets noted in the patient's file if the other doctor sees them for a particular date of service.  If the docs philosophies or treatment ideas or plans or recommendations differ, MAKE NOTES.  This can bite you in the butt if the patient decides to sue later.  Doesn't happen often, but there is always the possibility.  If they are going to see each other's patients, have some sort of Informed Consent signed showing that the PATIENT agreed to see the other doctor.

There are complications when sharing a front door, but it can be done.  You just have to spell things out clearly, and don't let the docs get their feelings hurt by pointing out ALL the possibilities.  Problems can go both ways, protect both sides!

spinedc

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Re: Billing with multiple doctors
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2012, 05:07:32 PM »
DMK,

Thank you very much for the reply.  I really appreciate it.

PMRNC

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Re: Billing with multiple doctors
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2012, 05:35:56 PM »
Also make ABSOLUTELY sure the TAX Info on file matches up when you make the change in the NPI file.. they must match EXACTLY!!!
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

spinedc

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Re: Billing with multiple doctors
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2012, 05:48:39 PM »
Yes, thank you.  So far the doctors have been running it as separate practices under their own SS # and NPI # and we make sure it always matches up.  The possible incorporation of one of the doctors was a concern with billing under the clinic name once the doctor incorporates.  But I'm guessing since they will still bill under their repective ID's the name change with the incorporation will not be a problem.

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Billing with multiple doctors
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2012, 05:48:39 PM »