Society Helps Practice Tackle Insurance Issues
When Mary Brady, practice secretary for ophthalmologist Stuart Goldberg, MD, an oculoplastic surgeon in Hershey, recently submitted a surgical claim, she figured it would take a little while to process.
But she never imagined that it would take almost a year. Or that, after all that time, the claim would be processed incorrectly.
“When the insurance carrier finally processed the claim, it was as if Dr. Goldberg was a participating provider and he was not,” Brady said.
Brady knew exactly who to call: Mary Ellen Corum in the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s practice economics department.
“When I call her with a question, if she doesn't know the answer, she will either research it or connect me with the appropriate person,” Brady said.
Corum advised Brady to contact the insurance network they supposedly participated with, and the network confirmed that Dr. Goldberg did not participate and contacted the carrier that incorrectly processed the claim.
“We were successful in receiving additional payment for all services provided,” Brady said. “Insurance and patient billing issues can be very frustrating at best. The Pennsylvania Medical Society is an excellent resource.”
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Last Updated: 8/27/2008