Practice Management Alert

Insurance changes happen so often, keeping up can be hard. Staying on top of varying payer rules, changing copayments and other payment issues can be daunting for practices. But don't lose hope. Implement these insurance verification suggestions to save yourself time and headaches:

Be proactive. Ask about insurance when any patient, new or established, makes an appointment.

Verify it. Verify coverage before patients come into the office. If the patient is scheduled for a particular service, make sure the carrier confirms eligibility, the copay amount, limitations on the policy, and a precertification, if necessary. This way you-ll know before the patient arrives if you need an advance beneficiary notice (ABN) and how much money the patient needs to pay.

Call during off-peak hours. Take time each day to call insurance companies to verify insurance for the next day's patients.

Get proof. Make a copy of a patient's insurance card at the time of the appointment.

Go online. Check carrier Web sites or use a clearinghouse to see if you can verify insurance online.

Batch processes. Verify plan membership, copayments and coverage for several patients with the same insurer at one time.