Claim denials: Navigating the Intricate Landscape of Healthcare Reimbursement
Providers frequently encounter the formidable challenge of denied insurance claims. Beyond the immediate inconvenience, these denials wield a profound impact, reaching into the realms of finance and operations, influencing aspects as critical as cash flow and resource allocation. This blog post aims to unravel the multifaceted layers of this pervasive issue, shedding light on the mounting costs associated with denied claims, the evolving dynamics within the industry, and the technological opportunities that propel transformative change.
Denied claims, more than mere hurdles, demand not only time and resources but also inflict significant disruptions to cash flow. The enduring delays in commercial payer reimbursements, spanning from 42 to 137 days, accentuate the urgency of addressing this critical issue. The dynamics of claim denials are evolving, presenting practitioners with challenges that transcend the traditional boundaries of healthcare practices.
The financial toll exacted by denied claims remains an underexplored dimension of this complex issue. Reworking a single denied claim carries a substantial price tag, ranging from $25 to $117 (1)– a stark contrast to the comparatively modest initial claim filing cost of $6.50. Over the years, from 2017 to 2022, the average cost of reworking a denied claim has seen an uptick, reaching an estimated $30.50. In specific settings, this financial burden can soar to a staggering $117.
Industry sources shed light on a sobering reality – a significant percentage, ranging from 50% to 65% of denied claims never undergo the necessary rework. This alarming statistic is often attributed to a dearth of time or knowledge among practitioners. The elusive goal of clean claims, free from errors and filed only once, remains unattainable for many.
In response to these mounting challenges, a survey indicates a proactive shift among practitioners (2), with 51% expressing their intent to adopt a more aggressive stance in challenging denied claims in 2023. However, this determination comes at a tangible cost – $25 for every claim rework (3). For those contending with 10 denied claims weekly, this translates into a substantial financial burden of $250 per week, $1,000 per month, and an annual expenditure exceeding $12,000 in the pursuit of reimbursement.
As practitioners gear up to confront denied claims head-on, strategic measures become imperative. The incorporation of technology, including artificial intelligence, ongoing training initiatives, and collaborative approaches within the industry can contribute to more efficient reimbursement processes, mitigating the pervasive impact of denied claims on practices.
Denied claims within healthcare extend beyond bureaucratic inconveniences; they encapsulate a multifaceted challenge with far-reaching consequences. By delving into the intricacies and understanding the hidden costs, practitioners can make informed decisions, implement new and transformative technology measures, and pave the way for a more resilient and financially sound future in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare reimbursement.
- The true cost of a denied claim in your PT practice. Erica R. McDermott, September 9, 2022.
- 2023 Set to Be a Big Year for Denials Management, Healthleaders, Amanda Norris, January 17, 2023.
- Internal data from leading Medical Billing Company, 2023.