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Got FAQs?
By Lisa Lake-Salmon  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.
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.
A: 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.
Q: Some of my patients cannot afford the 20-percent
Medicare co-pay. Is it okay for me just to write off these
charges?
A: 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.
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
Acc-Q-Data provides billing, collections, and practice management
software serving the O&P industry nationwide for over a
decade. Executive Vice President, Acc-Q-Data Inc. 
Table Of Contents - February 2004
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