7 Frequently asked ASC Billing Questions

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Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) cater to patients who need medically essential surgeries but do not require an overnight stay at a hospital. The following are certain frequently asked ASC Billing Questions arena:

7 Frequently Asked ASC Billing Questions

1. Which is the top information systems management for ASCs?

A couple of models used for ASCs are Electronic billing and a strong reporting package, the ASP model for supporting business competence, data analysis using Excel, immediate insurance verification, scanning of reports into patients’ charts, software compatibility, facility billing, and the ASP model for business competency. Types of A/R reports that ASC software programs can generate are insurance provider, financial class, date, patient, and procedure.

2. What is the standard for A/R days outstanding?

A/R is the money owed by a patient to ASC for services provided (short-term asset). Due to a difference in the case of each patient along with different insurance providers, market location, and out-of-network volume (increases in A/R days), there is no ideal number for A/R. It is imperative to benchmark against other centers to stay on top.

3. When is the time to switch to outsourcing?

If the staff is not technically skilled and talented, if cash metrics do not meet the national criterion and outdated technology is affecting business, it is time to switch to outsourcing.

4. What are the things to buy while switching from paper to electronic?

First, determine if the return on investment will prop up the switch. Following this, choose Electronic Health Records (EHRs) or Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). EHR is less expensive; however, time, money, and cost outlay decide which system you want to buy along with reviewing the features of both. EHRs store the clinical and financial data of ASCs while EMRs store data, allow data sharing, and encompass the physician dictation section. Both of these should also be able to interface with other systems of the ASC center.

5. What is required for reporting the -TC modifier?

The -TC modifier should be reported only when the ASCs bill for facility charges (with HCPCS codes) and have a technical and professional constituent under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).

6. What are the paid procedures and services in ASCs?

The billable procedures are mentioned in Addendum AA of the hospital outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS)/ASC final rule. ASCs can bill separately for certain ancillary services that are covered by Medicare such as brachytherapy, certain implantable items, drugs, biologicals, and radiology services etc. Physician examinations and prosthetic devices can be billed under Medicare Part B.