Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/494122
F r e e S O A P n o t e s w i t h M a s s a g e B o o k f o r A B M P m e m b e r s : a b m p . u s / M a s s a g e b o o k 49 4. What changes would I need to make to my practice? Am I prepared to accommodate the amount of additional documentation, follow-up, and paperwork required? 5. Which types of insurance am I willing to accept? How does this complement or impact my current practice? 6. Should I hire/contract a medical biller to assist in serving this part of my practice? 7. Am I able to handle the lack of cash flow while waiting for payments from the insurance company? Your ability to wait for payment is one of the most important factors to consider. Legally, insurance companies have up to 60 days to respond to your submission of a claim. When that response comes, it may be a denial of payment, or a payment for a reduced amount. If that happens, you must resubmit the claim, or you will not get paid—and in cases where you are billing workers' compensation insurance, you are forbidden to attempt to bill the client. You must be able to run your business without that income until (and if ) you receive it from the insurance company. TYPES OF INSURANCE There are four major categories of insurance coverage that can be billed by health-care providers. Each category operates differently, and in each case, state law will determine whether a massage therapist is even allowed to bill insurance in that category. Major Medical This is what most people think of in the context of billing health insurance: major insurance providers such as Aetna, Blue Cross, or Blue Shield. It is the most difficult and complicated category of billing. A more appropriate question would be whether the client's insurance company accepts you.