General Category > General Questions

Posting Payments

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Sportsmom:
I have a questions a long this line. I'm still working for a mental health office.

Our biller does not posted missed co-pays to the accounts until after the insurances pays. So if a claims does not pay for 6 mo's for what every reason then it pays we may send a client a bill 6 months after they stop coming in also I ask her for a outstanding balance sheet each month she will not add the missed co pays on it until the insurances  pays. Does anyone else do it that way? I have always posted the missed co-pay great way.

Michele:
First of all, copays should be paid at the time of service.  Of course we all know that there is always a reason that some don't.  But in that case, the patient should be billed ASAP.  The closer to the date of service that the patient is billed, the more likely to be paid.

Michele

oneround:
If I'm not mistaken, it's also in most contracts that the insured is responsible for any and all copays at TOS.  Heck, they get the book, they just don't read it

PMRNC:
In the policy between the insured and the insurance company it will have verbiage on "out of pocket expenses" but most of them will not term the language to read it's due at the time of service, it's just legal language to establish a patient's cost sharing in the policy. It's up to each individual practice to set this in stone. I have one pediatrician who we NEVER have to bill patients for copay's, that's because upon check in they have to pay their co-pay, it's in the office policy which the patient is given and signs and also their receptionist verifies appointments and reminds patients the copay must be brought in. There is also a sign right when you go to check in  "Your copay is not only appreciated but is required at each visit with no exceptions" A bit harsh but like I said, I don't do any statements for copay's!

ssherman:
General rule of thumb for payment posting:

If the date of service/procedure is known for the amount being posted, post the amount to the correct date of service/procedure.
If the date of service is not known, post the amount to the oldest date of service first.
If the amount to apply to a given procedure is not known, post to the lowest charge first, then the second lowest charge, etc.
Post your zero pays.

It helps to keep the books clean and up to date, and usually makes your write-offs easier in the long run.

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