Your Medical Billing Questions Answered
Running a healthcare practice comes with enough challenges without worrying about billing complications. Over the years, we’ve heard the same questions from doctors, practice managers, and healthcare administrators across different specialties and practice sizes.
Here are the honest answers to the questions we hear most often – no sales pitch, just practical information to help you make informed decisions about your practice’s billing operations.
How do I know if my practice really needs a billing service?
This is probably the most common question we get, and the answer isn’t always “yes.” Some practices do fine handling billing internally, especially smaller ones with straightforward procedures and good systems already in place.
But there are clear warning signs that suggest you’d benefit from professional help: if your staff spend some more time on billing than patient care, if your denial rates are climbing, or if you’re constantly behind on follow-up calls to insurance companies. Also, if you’re planning to grow your practice, outsourcing billing often makes more sense than hiring and training additional administrative staff.
What exactly do you do that we can't do ourselves?
Honestly? Nothing magical. We just do it all day, every day. Think about it – your front desk person handles billing maybe 20% of their time, between checking in patients and answering phones. Our staff does nothing but billing and coding, so they get really good at spotting problems, knowing which codes work best for specific situations, and understanding how different insurance companies handle claims.
We also have systems for tracking everything systematically. When you have hundreds of claims to follow-up on, you need sophisticated tools and processes. Most practices don’t have the volume to justify that kind of infrastructure.
How much do billing services typically cost?
Most companies charge a percentage of what they collect, usually between 4% and 8%. That might sound like a lot, but consider what you’re currently spending on billing staff, software, supplies, and the opportunity cost of your time spent on billing issues instead of seeing patients.
We’re transparent about our pricing because we want you to make an informed decision. Some practices save money with our services, others pay slightly more but get significantly better results. The key is understanding the total value, not just the cost.
Implementation and Technology
How disruptive is switching to a billing service?
Less than you might think, but it’s not seamless either. We typically need 2-4 weeks to get everything set up properly, during which time you’ll still handle billing internally while we prepare to take over.
The key is planning the transition carefully. We work with your existing systems whenever possible and handle the technical setup so your staff can focus on patients. Most practices are surprised by how smoothly the transition goes when it’s managed properly.
What if your system doesn't work with our EHR?
This used to be a bigger problem than it is now.Most modern systems talk to each other reasonably well, and we have experience integrating with all the major EHR platforms. If there are compatibility issues, we usually find work-arounds that maintain efficiency.
Before we start working together, we always test the integration thoroughly. We’d rather identify potential problems upfront than discover them after you’ve committed to our services.
Can we still see what's happening with our billing?
Absolutely. In fact, most practices get better visibility into their billing performance after partnering with us. We provide detailed reports and real-time access to your billing data through secure online portals.
You’ll know exactly which claims are pending, what denials we’re working on, and how your collection rates compare to previous months. Many doctors tell us they understand their practice’s financial performance better after outsourcing billing than they did when handling it internally.
Performance and Results
How much can you really improve your collections?
It depends on where you’re starting from. Practices with major billing problems might see improvements of 15-20% or more. Well-run practices with good internal processes might see smaller gains, but they often benefit more from reduced administrative burden than dramatic collection increases.
We’re honest about this during our initial evaluation. If your practice is already doing great work internally, we’ll tell you that. Our goal is building long-term relationships, not overselling our impact.
What happens when insurance companies deny claims?
This is where experience really matters.We have specialists who do nothing but work on denied claims. They know which denials are worth appealing, what documentation insurance companies actually want to see, and how to communicate effectively with different payers.
We track denial patterns to identify recurring problems and work with practices to prevent future denials. Sometimes simple changes to documentation or coding can eliminate whole categories of problems.
How do you handle patient billing and collections?
Very carefully. Nobody likes dealing with patient collections, but it’s necessary for practice sustainability. We use a graduated approach – starting with gentle reminders and escalating only when necessary.
We’ve found that most patients want to pay their bills but sometimes need payment plans or other accommodations. Our staff is trained to find solutions that work for both patients and practices.
This used to be a bigger problem than it is now.Most modern systems talk to each other reasonably well, and we have experience integrating with all the major EHR platforms. If there are compatibility issues, we usually find work-arounds that maintain efficiency.
Working Together
Do you work with practices our size?
We work with solo practitioners and large multi-specialty groups, plus everything in between. The services might look different – a solo practice doesn’t need the same reporting structure as a 50-doctor group does – but the fundamental principles are the same.
The key is planning the transition carefully. We work with your existing systems whenever possible and handle the technical setup so your staff can focus on patients. Most practices are surprised by how smoothly the transition goes when it’s managed properly.
What if we're not happy with the service?
We hope that doesn’t happen, but we understand that partnerships don’t always work out perfectly. Our contracts include reasonable termination provisions, and we’ll help transition your billing back internally or to another company if needed.
Most problems can be resolved with better communication and adjusted expectations. We’d rather fix issues than lose clients.
PromedCl : Medical billing solutions
The Most Common questions for Medical Billing Services
Our clients often have a few important questions to ensure we’re the right fit for their needs. These questions typically focus on our approach, services, and how we can align with their goals. Addressing these inquiries helps our clients feel confident in their decision and ensures we can provide the best possible solution.
PromedCL has been a trusted partner in the medical billing industry for over 17 years. Our extensive experience enables us to navigate the complexities of medical billing and coding efficiently, ensuring maximum reimbursement and compliance for our clients.
PromedCL provides a comprehensive range of services, including medical billing, coding, credentialing, claim submission, denial management, appeals, collections, patient eligibility verification, and detailed reporting. We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each practice, ensuring a seamless and efficient revenue cycle.
At PromedCL, we take compliance very seriously. Our processes are fully aligned with HIPAA requirements to protect patient data and ensure confidentiality. We also adhere to all relevant industry regulations, implementing secure systems and regular audits to maintain the highest standards of compliance.
PromedCL stays ahead of the curve by continuously monitoring changes in coding regulations, such as updates to ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS codes. Our team is trained to quickly adapt to these changes, ensuring that your claims are always compliant and accurately coded.
PromedCL has a dedicated team to handle denied or rejected claims. We thoroughly analyze the reason for the denial, make the necessary corrections, and resubmit the claim promptly. We aim to resolve issues quickly and prevent future denials through proactive management.
PromedCL offers detailed, customizable reports that cover all aspects of your practice’s financial performance, including accounts receivable, claim status, denial rates, and revenue trends. These reports are typically provided on a monthly basis, but we can adjust the frequency to meet your specific needs.
PromedCL offers a flexible fee structure tailored to your practice’s needs. Our fees can be based on a percentage of net revenue, a percentage of collections, or per claim. We work with you to determine the most cost-effective and transparent pricing model for your practice.
For any inquiries related to our medical billing services or consulting solutions, feel free to contact us directly during business hours. We’re happy to assist you with any questions or concerns
Contact us for a no-pressure conversation
PromedCL Services LLC
Unit #1125
Menlo Park
CA 94025