Most patient’s benefits start over at the beginning of the year. A small handful have a “benefit” year which is something other than a calendar year, typically July to June. For those that have the majority calendar year policies, this means deductibles will re-start in the new year (if you submit a claim in 2012 for dates of service in 2011, they still process with 2011 and will not go towards the 2012 deductible). Since many of you don’t deal with the details of insurance often, I will give you some reminders of what happens in the new year. First, all patient’s insurance benefits should be re-verified at the beginning of each year. In my offices, we get “update” forms just to re-verify addresses, phone #, etc. and get a NEW copy of insurance cards. Many people will tell you none of this has changed, maybe that’s true, but for those you catch who moved, etc. and have completely new information, you will be glad you went to the trouble. It’s prudent to always get new insurance cards since sometimes subtle changes occur to policies; higher deductibles, ID number changes, etc. When you call to verify insurance, make sure to use a form. We have one on the website for you to use as a template (Health Insurance Verification Form). It’s important to get all questions answered and if you simply jot down the info they tell you, as they ramble it, you may miss out on some important details.
-
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
- Angela Vanlods on Fee Schedules
- Clifton Perrin on About Us
- AcupunctureForUSA on Medicare policies may cover acupuncture
- jgglac on Fee Schedules
- dorainer on CPT Codes
Archives