Outsourcing.
Some see it as an admission of weakness – confirmation that they are unable to effectively and efficiently run their ambulatory surgery center. Others believe outsourcing is a euphemism for loss of control. And then there are those who feel that outsourcing simply means they are doing a bad job.
In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is this: Outsourcing is often a good choice for centers. Here's why:
Outsourcing is Less Expensive
There are only so many hours in a day, and outsourcing allows administrators and staff to use those hours on strategic, big-picture projects that drive profits and deliver results.
Outsourcing through a medical billing service allows employees to focus their time and energy on understanding metrics and driving net revenue rather than spending time submitting claims and pulling reports. In this sense, outsourcing makes financial sense as well as strategic sense. It increases overall productivity by allowing employees who know the ASC best to work on growing the practice rather than tactical, day-to-day operational activities.
Outsourcing Improves Transparency
Contrary to what some believe, organizations that choose the right medical billing service with which to partner often experience increased transparency when they outsource. This is because their partners – the businesses to which the work is outsourced – know they have to earn and keep the trust of the organizations that have hired them.
Trust comes in many forms, but it is often achieved through valuable comprehensive reports that provide key information and insights about billing operations. These reports highlight inefficiencies and issues that might be overlooked by in-house employees. Receiving regular reports allows business leaders to know with precision what’s working, what’s not working, and what can be improved.
This type of transparency is exceptionally valuable for physician-owners who find themselves having to balance the need to reduce expenses, generate revenues, and adhere to constantly evolving government requirements.
Outsourcing Delivers Enhanced Consistency
If there's one thing that outsourcing through a medical billing service delivers time and time again, it is consistency. Not only do the best medical billing companies deliver services they are contractually obligated to perform, but they also provide ASC administrators and physician-owners with systems proven to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness.
The entire billing function is handled by specialists who develop claims processes that utilize best practices combined with the flexibility to address the specific needs of each center. The service providers ensure that claims are submitted correctly, codes align with the service provided, and records are retained.
Yes, it is a different world. Outsourcing is no longer a tactic centers use to simply reduce overhead by reducing staff. Today, outsourcing is a powerful tool that is built into long-term strategic plans – and it is helping ASC centers thrive and grow.
