When it comes to billing and revenue cycle management, sometimes even small improvements can make a big difference. At OMS, we work alongside eye care practices every day to streamline workflows, prevent claim denials, and improve cash flow, and our team has seen it all.
We asked our team members to share one tip from the front lines of billing that can help practices like yours get paid faster and more consistently. From scheduling to insurance verification to patient communication, here’s what they had to say.
Always Collect Payment at the Time of Service
– Christi Arnett, RCM Director
Prioritize providing clear communication with patients regarding financial obligations and collect those payments at the time of service. It is easier to collect money when a patient is seen than to collect payment after a patient leaves the office.
Verify CPT and Diagnosis Codes
– Sherri Dement, Sr. Account Services Manager
Before submitting tests/procedures verify CPT and diagnosis codes. Diagnosis codes that specify laterality (RT, LT, Bilateral) are required when applicable to avoid the claim denying for “unspecified” diagnosis code. Do you have the correct pointers? Have you added modifiers where applicable?
Be Consistent with an Effective Scheduling Process
– Jessica Woodall, Practice Consultant
Effective scheduling is the first line of defense in accurately entering insurance and vision plan information into the Practice Management System (PMS). The second line of defense is at checkout, where staff verify the information with the patient and their ID cards to ensure system accuracy.
Check Benefits Ahead of Each Patient Appointment
– Jessica Koeritz, Account Services Admin
Obtaining medical and vision information over the phone when appointment is set is critical to the office staff process of checking benefit prior to the patients exam which then allows claims to be filed immediately without any delay of payment.
Collect Insurance Cards at Every Visit
– Amanda Hall, Insurance Specialist
Collecting insurance cards at the time of the appointment is essential to ensure accurate billing and avoid delays in processing claims. Insurance information can change frequently due to policy updates, changes in employment, or shifts in coverage plans. By verifying and collecting the most current insurance card at each visit, healthcare providers can confirm eligibility, prevent billing errors, and reduce the risk of denied claims. This practice also helps streamline administrative tasks, allowing patients to focus on their care rather than dealing with insurance issues after the appointment.
Create Transparency in Your Billing Workflow
– Jerry Godwin, President
OMS helps improve cash flow in a practice by setting up a system to process, a communication structure to identify questions and opportunities, and creating transparency in processes allowing for change to occur. We become the RCM department and subject matter expert for the practices providing the support a practice needs to be successful.
Improving your billing process isn’t just about software or spreadsheets, but it’s about people, systems, and consistency. These tips come straight from the experts who live and breathe revenue cycle management every day.
Whether you’re tackling small inefficiencies or ready for a full-scale operational overhaul, OMS is here to help you build a smarter billing workflow that supports your team and boosts your bottom line.