Maximizing Success With Retro Authorization In Medical Billing

Want to make your healthcare organization's billing process more efficient? If so, retro authorization can be an invaluable tool for improving success rates. Retro-authorization is a payment strategy designed to manage services delivered and capture what would have been approved under traditional pre-service authorization. It enables providers to maximize payments for retrospective healthcare procedures by leveraging historical health plan policies to capture higher reimbursement levels. Enter.Health is one of the most reliable sources providing all these services at economical rates. Check out our services rendered for the healthcare facility!

What Is The Role Of Retro Authorization In Medical Billing

The role of retro authorization is to provide a mechanism for providers to receive payment for services not covered by insurance at the time they were rendered. This is important because authorization must be obtained for the insurance company to accept payment for the service, resulting in a loss of revenue for the provider.

Difference Between Prior, Pre-authorization, And Retro-authorization In Medical Billing

Prior authorization process, retro authorization, and pre-authorization are related but distinct concepts in medical billing. Here's how they differ:

Prior-Authorization

Prior authorization is when the insurance company must take prior approval of a service or treatment that is to be performed. This is usually done to ensure that the service is covered under the patient's insurance policy and that it is medically necessary. In addition, prior authorization aims to reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary or inappropriate services.

Pre-Authorization Process

Pre-authorization is similar to prior authorization, but the terms are often used interchangeably. For example, both terms refer to obtaining approval for a medical service or treatment before it is performed to ensure that the service is covered by insurance and medically necessary.

Retro-Authorization

Retro authorization is a process where the insurance company reviews a service already performed to determine if it was covered under the patient's insurance policy and medically necessary. This is typically done after the service has been completed and is used to recover payment for services that were not properly authorized.

In What Cases Is Retro Authorization Eligible In Medical Billing?

Retro authorization is eligible in medical billing when a service that was already performed needs to be reviewed by the insurance company to determine if it was covered under the patient's insurance policy and was medically necessary. This process is used to recover payment for services that were not correctly authorized when they were performed.

Here are some common cases where retro authorization is eligible in medical billing:

Non-Covered Services

Sometimes, a performed service may not be covered by the patient's insurance policy. If this is the case, a retro authorization may be requested to determine if the service was medically necessary and if payment can be recovered through an alternative source.

Lack Of Prior Authorizations 

Suppose a service was performed without completing prior authorization requirements. In that case, a retro authorization request may be submitted to determine if the patient's insurance policy covered the service and if payment can be recovered. This process is often referred to as post-payment review or post-payment audit. In this type of review, the insurance company reviews medical documentation related to the service to determine if it is medically necessary.

Change In Insurance Coverage

Suppose a patient's insurance coverage changes after a service has already been performed. In that case, a retro authorization request may be needed to determine whether the service is covered under the new policy. This is important because if the new policy does not cover the service, payment cannot be recovered, and it could result in a loss of revenue for the provider.

Upcoding

If a service was coded incorrectly, a retro authorization may be requested to determine if the correct coding would result in payment for the service. Sometimes, a provider may attempt to increase reimbursement by upcoding or assigning a more expensive code than the one required for the services provided. Retro authorization can determine if upcoding was used and if the service should be covered by insurance.

How Does The Retro Authorization Process Work?

The retro authorization process in medical billing typically involves the following steps:

Reviewing Patient Records

The first step in the retro authorization process is to review the patient's records to determine if any services were performed without proper authorization. This includes verifying the patient's insurance information and ensuring that all services are medically necessary.

Submitting The Claim

Once the services have been identified, the next step is to submit a claim for retro authorization. This involves completing the necessary forms and providing additional documentation, such as medical records; the insurance company may require that.

Review By The Insurance Company

After the claim is submitted, the insurance company will review it to determine if the services were covered under the patient's insurance policy. This may involve verifying the patient's coverage, checking the medical necessity criteria of the services, and confirming that all required information has been provided.

Resolution Of Issues

Suppose the insurance company raises any issues with the claim, such as missing information or concerns about medical necessity. In that case, the provider will need to resolve these issues before the claim can be approved. This may involve submitting additional documentation, clarifying the services performed, or negotiating with the insurance company to settle.

Payment Processing

If the request is approved through standard authorization request channels, that is the insurance company. The payment will be processed for the services provided. This may involve issuing a payment directly to the provider or sending an explanation of benefits (EOB) to the patient for payment. This will help to maintain the patient payment record.

The Impact Of Retro Authorization On Your Revenue Cycle Management

Retro authorization can have a significant impact on your revenue cycle management. Here is the negative effect when the retro authorization is not implemented in your financial results:

Delayed Reimbursement

If a service is not authorized correctly when performed, and a retro authorization request is not submitted or approved, you may not receive payment for that service. This can result in delayed reimbursement and negatively impact your revenue cycle management.

Increased Administrative Costs

The process of retro authorization can be time-consuming and complex. It requires careful review of medical records, insurance policies, and other documentation and follow-up with insurance companies and patients. These additional administrative tasks can increase the cost of your revenue cycle management.

Reduced Cash Flow

Delayed reimbursement and increased administrative costs can result in reduced cash flow for your practice. This can make it more challenging to pay bills, invest in new equipment or technology, and grow your practice.

Decreased Patient Satisfaction

If retro authorization requests are not approved, patients may be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for services they believed would be covered by their insurance. This can lead to decreased patient satisfaction and negatively impact your reputation. The patient payment system becomes better with the help of this system.

Best Practices For Maximizing The Success Of Retro Authorization In Medical Billing

Maximizing the success of retro authorization in medical billing requires a well-planned approach and a focus on best practices. Some of the best practices that can help providers achieve the best results from their retro authorization process include:

Specific Timing

Timing is critical when it comes to retro authorization, as claims must be submitted within a specific time frame in order to be considered. Providers should work with their billing departments or vendors to develop a timeline that allows them to submit claims as soon as possible after the services are rendered.

Complete Documentation

Accurate and complete documentation is essential for successful retro authorization. Providers should ensure that they have all of the necessary patient and insurance information and detailed medical records that demonstrate the services' necessity.

Effective Communication

Effective communication is critical in the retro authorization process. Providers should work closely with their billing departments, insurance companies, and patients to ensure that all parties know the retro authorization request process and any issues that may arise.

Technology Solutions

Technology solutions, such as EMR and RCM software, can help streamline the retro authorization process and improve accuracy. These solutions can automate many of the manual tasks involved in the process, reducing the risk of errors and increasing efficiency.

Training And Education

Providers should invest in training and education for their billing departments and staff to understand the retro authorization process and the best practices to help them achieve the best results.

Monitoring And Reporting

Retroactively authorize routine services to help providers identify any issues or trends in their process and adjust as needed. This can help improve the overall efficiency and accuracy of the process and reduce the risk of denied claims.

Explore More On Retro-Authorization With Enter.Health!

Retro authorization in medical billing is crucial for healthcare providers to understand and master because it plays a significant role in revenue cycle management. By understanding what retro authorization is, how it works, and when it's eligible, you can see success with this important part of the medical billing process. And if you want help from experts in the field, Enter. Health offers top-notch services that will get you results. Our billing department will help you streamline the process and improve accuracy through better RCM automation. Check out our website today to learn about our pricing!