When contracting with an outside billing service, minimize your risk through the following measures:
- Request a copy of the service's compliance plan;
- Determine if the billing service has ever been investigated for fraud and abuse;
- Ask if the service has periodic audits performed by an outside auditing firm;
- Inquire about continuing education and training of billing staff;
- Request three references of current medical practice clients, and call them to ask if they are satisfied with the company;
- Inquire about the qualifications and certifications of the service's billing staff;
- Have an attorney review the contract of engagement;
- Request a redacted copy of the standard financial reports the service gives its clients, and
- Ensure that the service has insurance coverage for errors and omissions.
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