Well, it is that time of year when the front office and billing staff is working harder than ever, to make sure that patients pay their annual deductibles, which typically begins on January 1st of each calendar year, and patients trying to figure out how they are going to come up with such a large amount of money...and fast!

The fact is...Insurance Companies will take out the Annual Deductible first, so they get their money. What that means is they will take out monies on claims submitted, until the total deductible has been satisfied. Once the deductible has been satisfied in full, then that is when they start paying the claim at the allowable rates...and if the meet medical policy guidelines. (That is another story for another day)

Words of advice...don't forget to collect those deductibles and educate your patients on any out of pocket expenses that they may incur. That's smart business and keeps happy patients well informed.

Happy New Year Readers!