Social Security Number Removal Initiative (SSNRI) - Providers need to be ready for this change and implement a plan to make this as smooth as possible.
Beginning in April 2018 Medicare will start making new Medicare cards with new MBI (Medicare Beneficiary Identifier). This means that EVERY Medicare patient will be mailed a new Medicare card.
As you do for every patient, ask every Medicare patient for their new card so we can get the new id# in our system. They may say nothing has changed, but that is okay, still ask for the card as these changes are across the board and will affect every Medicare card holder.
There will be a transition period while these new id numbers are implemented, but we want to be up-to-date from the start to cut down on any unnecessary denials due to incorrect id#.
More tips for success...
It is imperative to get updated insurance information, address, etc. every time you see your patient. Our #1 issue getting claims out the door is waiting on insurance information, patient demographics (date of birth, address, etc.), and invalid or missing CPT codes or ICD-10 DX.
Please help us help you by making sure every claim is complete before sending it over. This will help both of us tremendously.
Also - make sure you know which insurance companies require prior authorizations, referrals, and such. Take care of these up front when the patient makes an appointment with you. That is a huge source of our denials, as well. These insurance companies should be well noted by your office staff so they ask/call for these prior to seeing the patient.
Are you out of network with any insurance companies? Find out if you are and make sure that credentialing takes top priority immediately. This usually takes quite a while, the earlier you start on it the better! We do not offer credentialing services, but we can point you in the right direction if you are confused by any letter you get on the subject.
Collect copays up front! That is the best way to ensure you see that copay! You would be surprised how many offices do not make patients pay that up front. It is a requirement they pay you the copay and there is nothing wrong with collecting it as they are standing there waiting to be seen.
We appreciate each of you and the efforts you make to keep open communication! Our desire is to get you paid, your full reimbursement, from the first submission - as quickly as possible!
The key to our success is follow-up! We are tenacious about calling on every unpaid claim! It's what sets us apart. We call on every claim once a month until it's paid in full!
