Archive for May, 2007
Massage Insurance Billing
22 May 2007I started my Massage business eight months ago. Renting a room for two days out of the week in an Acupuncture office. I lucked out big time with the Acupuncturist, he is an awesome mentor.
When it comes to Insurance paperwork or the CMS 1500 form, I would highly recommend investing in a software program that keeps all your client information, scheduling and the CMS 1500 forms available for faster use. Oh yes, it’s worth it.
I am a provider through Complementary Healthcare Plans (CHP) who approves two major Insurance companies for my area. Whenever I have a client who is interested in getting a massage through their insurance coverage, I have them fill out the intake forms and take a copy of the insurance card with birth date of the primary holder. I call CHP to find if my client is approved for Massage benefits and the conditions under their approval (it takes anywhere from 10-15 min).
I don’t have to send in the soap form unless they ask for it. My software program fills out all the information on the CMS 1500 form from the information gathered from the client. The only information I need to complete is the number of units (97140 Procedure code for Massage) the diagnosis codes (always pain, never stress or the like) and the software takes care of most the rest. I print it out and send it in.
Sure I don’t get paid now, but I get paid more for the Massage later. Its a benefit that comes from spending the time filling out the paperwork and sending it in. It takes repetition and learning what they want and don’t want. This is where I am building most of my business, getting referrals from the insurance company and people that come in for treatments for Acupuncture. It’s a slow process, but the clients are loyal and enjoy paying co-pays and not the full amount. It’s a guaranteed once or twice a month client. Who can complain about that?