Business
Study finds hospitals have to keep resubmitting insurance claims
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted April 23, 2007
A study commissioned by PNC Financial Service Group finds that hospitals generally must file claims multiple times to get paid by insurers -- even if claims are filed electronically.
The study, which covered about 200 hospital and insurance executives, found that hospitals that file electronic claims must do so more than once. Nonelectronic claims must be submitted 11 times or more, according to the study.
Conversely, health plans reported having to go back to hospitals at least two times, on average, to get the necessary information to pay the claims transaction. Problems run from incorrect information on claims to technological glitches.
Despite the redundant submission activity, PNC, which sells electronic claims processing and electronic funds transfer services, said 75% of hospital executives say electronic processes have improved efficiency.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/04/23/bibf0423.htm.
