Inputting the proper codes after providing a medical service is crucial for healthcare clinics, which is why undercoding can be disastrous. This error, whether intentional or not, creates numerous issues, like reduced revenue, audits, and other problems that will adversely affect your clinic.
So, how does inputting the wrong coding affect medical billing? Below, the team at PracticeForces shares everything you need to know about coding and how to avoid getting it wrong.
The experts at PracticeForces provide high-quality medical billing and coding services to Florida clinics. We can help you overcome revenue cycle management healthcare challenges while making your practice more efficient. If you want to enhance your Florida clinic’s medical coding and billing while reducing your staff’s workload, contact us today!
What Is “Undercoding” in Medical Billing?
Undercoding refers to inputting incomplete or incorrect information when handling medical billing. It usually happens when a healthcare professional inputs the wrong medical code or fails to include the full extent of the patient’s care.
For example, a patient might have received two medical services while the practitioner only inserted one code. Coders have a responsibility to ensure that the medical codes on the billing adequately reflect the level of service provided before submission. If they do not catch these errors, it can be detrimental to their medical offices to result in everything from denied claims and fines to serious federal investigations under the False Claims Act.
How To Prevent Coding Incorrectly Within Medical Billing
Streamlining coding before it negatively impacts your medical practice isn’t easy, but there are a few ways to ensure more accurate input codes. Below we list some tips to diminish coding errors or omissions in medical billing:
Trained Staff Make Fewer Errors
Employing experienced medical coders and providing high-quality training to new staff members is one of the best solutions for coding issues. Do your staff thoroughly understand the codes? Have they been shown the correct input methods before entrusting them with the procedure?
A Uniform Code for Insured and Uninsured Patients Helps
Some medical practices utilize different codes for insured patients and those paying in cash. This causes confusion for coders and often leads to incorrect code inputs that resemble fraud.
An Up-To-Date Clinic Code Manual Aids Coders
Medical codes could change. Are your coding manuals up-to-date? An accurate coding manual effectively prevents inaccurate inputs.
A Double-Check System Corrects Codes Before Submission
Double-checking inputs is a fantastic failsafe before submission, including when it comes to medical codes. If coders adopt the habit of reading over their work before submitting it, they will be more accurate. You can also hire a professional medical billing and coding company like PracticeForces to improve the accuracy and efficiency of your clinic’s coding procedures.
Contact PracticeForces for First-Class Medical Coding and Billing Services in Florida
If you want to eliminate undercoding and upcoding in medical billing from your Florida medical practice, contact PracticeForces. Our team will ensure your clinic meets Florida’s coding compliance requirements, improving input accuracy and aiding your clinic’s patient care.
Avoid undercoding; call PracticeForces at (727) 499-0351 today for high-quality medical billing and coding services in Florida today!
