When it comes to running a chiropractic practice, managing patient care is often your top priority. But if you’ve ever struggled with rejected insurance claims or delayed payments, you know how much billing issues can affect your business. Errors in chiropractic billing can lead to wasted time, lost revenue, and unnecessary frustration. The good news? With a little extra attention, these common mistakes are completely avoidable.
To give you an idea, here are some chiropractic billing mistakes you should know—and how you can avoid them to keep your practice running smoothly.
1. Misunderstanding Chiropractic Billing Codes
One of the most common mistakes in chiropractic billing is using incorrect or outdated billing codes. Every service you provide has a specific code, and insurance companies rely on these codes to process claims. A single incorrect digit can result in a denied claim, delaying your payment.
To avoid this, stay updated on coding changes every year. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) or coding workshops can help you stay informed. Double-check codes before submitting claims, and consider investing in billing software that flags potential errors.
2. Failing to Verify Patient Insurance Coverage
Not verifying patient insurance coverage before their first appointment is a recipe for trouble. Insurance plans often have specific rules about what chiropractic treatments they cover. If you don’t check these details in advance, you may end up providing services that aren’t reimbursable.
Set up a system to verify insurance coverage for every patient before their visit. Make sure you confirm deductible amounts, co-pays, and coverage limits. Many insurance carriers allow online verification, which makes this process faster and more reliable.
3. Missing Important Documentation for Claims
Insurance companies require detailed documentation to process claims, especially for chiropractic care. If you don’t include the necessary information—like a patient’s diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress notes—your claims could be rejected.
To prevent this, establish a clear documentation protocol in your practice. Train your team to take thorough, accurate notes during each patient visit. Use Electronic Health Records (EHR) software that integrates with your billing system to ensure all relevant details are included.
4. Submitting Claims with Errors
Typos, incomplete forms, and incorrect patient details can derail your billing process. A simple mistake like a misspelled name or a wrong policy number can lead to a denied claim. Rejected claims not only slow down payments but also take time to correct and resubmit.
To minimize errors, double-check each claim before submission. Many chiropractic billing systems come with error-checking features that can flag common mistakes. If you’re handling billing manually, have a second person review claims to catch any errors.
5. Overlooking Timely Filing Deadlines
Insurance companies have strict deadlines for claim submissions, often ranging from 90 days to a year after the service date. If you miss these deadlines, your claim will likely be denied, and you won’t get paid for the services you provided.
To avoid this, create a tracking system for claim submission deadlines. Many billing software platforms have built-in reminders to help you stay on schedule. Make it a habit to submit claims as soon as possible after a patient’s visit.