<img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2004-02_07/Lake-Salmon-Lisa.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> The future of your practice depends on knowledgeable billing and collection information. Understanding the full aspect of billing guidelines and procedures will effectively increase your reimbursement. This informative column will help providers and their staff with a better understanding of billing procedures and reimbursement strategies. <b><i>Q: I have recently received my first reenrollment package from Medicare. Can you let me know what the difference is between participating and non-participating? I am thinking of changing my status and not sure if I should. </i>A:</b> The reimbursement would be the same from Medicare whether you are a participating supplier or not. A participating supplier is one who voluntarily agrees to accept assignment for all services provided to Medicare beneficiaries. A supplier who chooses not to participate may still accept assignment on a claim-by-claim basis. <i><b>Q: Some of my patients cannot afford the 20-percent Medicare co-pay. Is it okay for me just to write off these charges?</b> </i><b>A:</b> The law requires the provider to make an effort to collect the 20-percent co-insurance payment. The supplier must keep evidence on file of the attempt to collect this from either the patient or the secondary insurance. The supplier has an option of waiving the co-insurance in case of hardship; however, a supplier can not routinely waive the 20-percent co-insurance payment for every patient. <i>We invite readers to ask any questions you have regarding billing, collections, or any other information. To send your questions or for more information, contact: lisa@ westernmediallc.com</i> Acc-Q-Data provides billing, collections, and practice management software serving the O&P industry nationwide for over a decade. <i>Executive Vice President, Acc-Q-Data Inc.</i>
