Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office

Offering guidance for all aspects of submitting, tracing, appealing, and transmitting claims for today's full range of health plans, this essential reference streamlines administrative procedures and increases office efficiency during the insurance billing process. The 9th edition has been completely updated to include the latest information on essential topics such as the HIPAA regulations, diagnostic coding, procedural coding, office and insurance collection strategies, Medicare, and more. In addition, this trusted resource of choice for medical insurance specialists is now printed in full color and contains a CD-ROM that features Altapoint software that simulates the billing process and provides "real world" experience.

• All content has been reviewed by industry experts and meticulously updated to reflect recent changes in insurance claim filing.
  
• Procedural coding (CPT and HCPCS) and diagnostic coding (ICD-9-CM) and required documentation are emphasized as keystones to obtaining maximum reimbursement.
  
• Unique, color-coded payer icons clarify information specific to different payers and help you understand CMS claim form completion.
  
• Special HIPAA Alerts throughout the book help you comply with important governmental privacy regulations.
  
• Emphasizes procedural (CPT and HCPCS) and diagnostic (ICD-9-CM) coding and documentation since they are the keystones to obtaining maximum reimbursement.
  
• Block-by-block explanations and examples clearly demonstrate the correct way to complete the CMS-1500 claim form.
  
• A wealth of completed sample insurance forms show how concepts are applied in real life.

• Completely revised and updated to provide the most up-to-date information available.
  
• Special HIPAA Alerts throughout the book help you comply with important governmental privacy regulations.
  
• Accompanying CD-ROM features AltaPoint software that simulates the billing process and provides realistic practice with patient scenarios.
  
• An entire new chapter is dedicated to compliance and the e-health initiative.
  
• New Form icons and Computer icons throughout the text indicate the industry's current state of transition.