Passing the Buck and Sending the Bills Out

Outsourcing has become a popular business practice, and for some physicians, it can be a useful tool to minimize office stress. If you’re lacking an inhouse billing facilitator or your current office manager just doesn't have the time, you may want to outsource your billing. The Doctor's Office newsletter outlines six things to remember when making the choice to outsource.

First, be sure outsourcing will help your office by assessing your office's current atmosphere: Does your office run smoothly? Second, look at the good and the bad: control vs performance. Is the lack of control and disconnect from patients worth the return? If yes, decide on the level of control you want to have over billing services such as restricting coding and providing access to your electronic medical records system. Be sure to assess the cost of outsourcing and compare expenses to that of in-house billing. Outsource fees can range from 5% to 10% of all bills collected. If the cost seems worth it, be sure to establish a contract that best fits your practice and, most important, research all potential companies and check references before you sign on the dotted line.