Medical coding outsourcing can be a great way for healthcare providers to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost revenue.
But before you dive in, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you’re partnering with a reputable and qualified company. However, if you need a nudge, then here are some key questions to ask.
Experience and Qualifications
- Certification and expertise: Does the company employ certified coders with experience in your specific specialty?
- Training: How does the company ensure its coders stay up-to-date on the latest coding guidelines and regulations?
Security and Data Privacy
- HIPAA compliance: Is the company HIPAA compliant and how do they safeguard patient data?
- Security measures: What security measures are in place to protect your sensitive patient information?
Quality and Accuracy
- Quality assurance process: What quality assurance processes does the company have in place to ensure accurate coding?
- Error rate and turnaround times: What is the company’s historical error rate and turnaround times for coding services?
Communication and Transparency
- Communication channels: How will you communicate with the company about your coding needs and any questions you may have?
- Reporting and transparency: What kind of reporting will you receive on your coding performance and metrics?
Cost and Service
- Pricing model: What is the company’s pricing model and does it fit your budget?
- Services offered: Does the company offer the specific coding services you need, such as CPT, ICD-10, and HCC coding?
Additional Considerations
- References: Can the company provide references from other satisfied clients?
- Contract terms: What are the terms of the contract, including termination clauses and service guarantees?
By asking these thoughtful questions, you can be confident that you’re making an informed decision about outsourcing your medical coding. This will help you select a partner who can deliver the accuracy, efficiency, and cost savings you’re looking for.