Practice Management Alert
Do Office Billers Need Liability Insurance?
Question: I know that some of my colleagues have biller/coder insurance. What I don't know is why. What exactly is biller/coder insurance, and is it something I need? Biller liability insurance policies are protection against minor claims errors that cause someone else to lose money. This insurance may not cover you in more serious fraud charges involving intentional or serious wrongdoing. However, it should cover your potential liability and your legal costs in a case. The answers to the Reader Questions were provided and/or reviewed by Catherine Brink, CMM, CPC, president of HealthCare Resource Management Inc. in Spring Lake, N.J.
Maine Subscriber
Answer: The insurance you are asking about is a professional liability policy for billers. If a biller is involved in a dispute, such as false claims or fraudulent billing, the policy pays legal costs and potential liability.
Remember: Billers can be held accountable for office fraud--whether they engaged in it intentionally or not. But before plunking down dollars for your own policy, consider that:
- billers in physicians- offices typically have coverage. You should double-check with your employer to be sure you are covered under the office policy. If you are not covered, consider getting your own policy.
- independent billing consultants need to have liability insurance. Most practices will refuse to hire independent billers who lack professional liability insurance. Independent consultants who lack their own insurance should try to get the potential employer to put them on its policy.
Practice Management Alert
- Avoid Costly Mistakes:
Verify Insurance for Every Patient
Billers that take advantage of technology make their jobs easier
Verifying each patient's insurance every time [...] - You Be the Billing Expert:
Remember These Pointers for Sound Critical Care Billing
Does the physician's documentation identify a life-threatening condition?
When you receive a denial from a payer [...] - News You Can Use:
Review the Test Version of the New CMS 1500 Form
Your old forms won't work with new NPIs
Just when you think you-re prepared for the [...] - News You Can Use:
Focus on Biggest Bills in Self-Pay Backing
You can't chase every delinquent account, experts say
When a self-pay patient is behind on his [...] - August Recipe for Billing Success
Payers Say Xolair Shots Are Not Chemotherapy Be on the lookout for some official guidance [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Avoid Underpayment From SNFs With a Contract
Question: We consistently have trouble collecting for services our physicians provide to patients from skilled [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Weigh Efficiency vs. Compliance With Signature Alernatives
Question: I-ve heard that some offices use physician signature stamps. Is this legal?
Washington Subscriber
Answer: [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Do Office Billers Need Liability Insurance?
Question: I know that some of my colleagues have biller/coder insurance. What I don't know [...]
