| tart --> | | | | accepting any more paper claims in 2007. If you are a |
| They've been talking about it forever but it looks like | | | | participating provider in Fidelis Care and you try to |
| it might finally have arrived. Insurance companies are | | | | submit your claims on paper, they will be returned to |
| starting to mandate electronic submissions of | | | | you with a letter. They are advising you to contact |
| insurance claims. We've gotten our first notice that | | | | your provider rep and they will help you find a |
| medical insurance claims must be sent electronically in | | | | method to submit your claims electronically. |
| 2007. | | | | Fidelis Care is one of the first insurance companies |
| Many insurance companies have been trying to | | | | that I've seen that is actually returning any paper |
| encourage providers to submit insurance claims | | | | claims. Excellus BCBS keeps track of how many |
| electronically for years. They've offered perks such | | | | claims each provider submits on paper and if the |
| as quicker payments, less requirements for | | | | number is over a certain amount per month, they |
| authorizations, and other benefits to the providers. | | | | send a provider representative out to speak to the |
| They've also had provider reps visit provider's offices | | | | provider about why they are not submitting claims |
| to see why they are not submitting claims | | | | electronically, but they don't return the claims - yet. |
| electronically and offer suggestions for methods to | | | | New York Medicare states that all providers are |
| get their office capable of sending their claims | | | | suppose to submit claims electronically, but they allow |
| electronically. | | | | enough exclusions that an office can get around it. |
| Now we are actually seeing companies that are | | | | I think that many companies will begin to follow suit |
| saying they will no longer accept claims on paper CMS | | | | with Fidelis Care of New York. It is a huge money |
| 1500 or HCFA 1500 forms. Fidelis Care of New York | | | | saver for the insurance company to receive claims |
| is one of the plans that is stating they will no longer | | | | electronically. More and more companies will begin to |
| accept any claims on paper in 2007. They state they | | | | return claims to providers if submitted the old |
| are at over 80% electronic claims and they are not | | | | fashioned way, on red and white paper forms! |