Impact of Inaccurate Benefit Verification on Patient Satisfaction

Benefit verification may appear to be a standard administrative duty in the medical field, but it is essential to the patient’s and provider’s seamless experience. When done correctly, it ensures that patients are informed about their insurance coverage and any out-of-pocket costs prior to obtaining care. However, Inaccurate Benefit Verification may have negative effects that lower patient satisfaction.

At EZ Settle Solutions, we have first hand knowledge of the ways that precise benefit verification can enhance patient outcomes.

In our earlier blog post, we discussed “How Efficient Benefit Verification Can Improve Revenue Cycle Management“

We are aware of the frustration and worry that might surface when something goes wrong, though. This article will address how inaccurate benefit verification may lead to patient dissatisfaction and provide ways to prevent it.

How Inaccurate Benefit Verification Impacts Patient Satisfaction

1. Unexpected Medical Bills

One of the most obvious and direct consequences of inaccurate benefit verification is the unexpected medical bill. If a patient believes a service is covered by their insurance and then receives a sizable charge later, they may get angry and feel financially stressed. Many people may feel that this is a betrayal of trust, especially if they were expecting minimal or no out-of-pocket costs.

2. Delays in Care

Misleading benefit verification may potentially cause delays in receiving care. For instance, the patient’s therapy may be postponed while they wait for clearance if prior authorization is required for a service and it is rejected. This may be worrisome and disappointing for those who need immediate medical attention.

3. Negative Impact on Provider Reputation:

To expand their operations, healthcare practitioners rely on satisfied patients and word-of-mouth referrals. Inaccurate benefit verification might result in unfavorable encounters that can harm a healthcare providers reputation and online reviews. Potential patients frequently look up physicians online before scheduling an appointment in today’s digital era, and a few unfavorable reviews can significantly harm a provider’s ability to draw in new business.

4. Decline of Trust:

Because healthcare is such a personal matter, trust is crucial between a patient and their physician. It can be damaged when invoicing problems result from inaccurate benefit verification. Patients may start to doubt the accuracy of other parts of their treatment, which could result in an unfavorable impression of the institution or practice as a whole. It can be difficult to rebuild trust after it has been lost, and patients may decide to seek care elsewhere.

5. Possibility of Conflicts:

Regretfully, incorrect benefit verification can occasionally lead to disagreements between the patient and the medical professional. Patients can appeal the charges if they believe they were misled about their coverage. This may result in heated discussions, harm the rapport between the patient and the practitioner, or even cause patients to post unfavourable reviews or spread complaints via word of mouth.

Avoiding The Problems associated:

The good news is that many of these issues can be avoided with a more precise and thorough benefit verification process. This is how you do it

1. Invest in Appropriate Training:

Ensure that your staff members are aware of the minor differences among different insurance policies. They must understand the proper procedures for verifying coverage and be aware of any hazards that could lead to mistakes.

2. Leverage Technology:

Use cutting-edge software solutions that can automate the benefit verification process to reduce the likelihood of human error. At Ez Settle Solutions, we leverage technology to support practitioners in streamlining this process and ensuring updated verification.

3. Communicate Yourself to Patients Clearly:

Transparency is necessary to maintain people’s trust. Make sure patients are fully informed about their coverage and any related costs before beginning treatment. Honest and open communication helps reduce the likelihood of unpleasant surprises and ultimately bad circumstances.

4. Regular Audits:

Examine your benefit verification process frequently to identify and address any persistent problems. Errors can harm your patients and the reputation of your practice ,so catching mistakes early can prevent them.

The Importance of Accurate Benefit Verification

There is more to accurate benefit verification than simply checking a box before to a patient’s consultation. It establishes the mood for the patient’s overall experience. Transparency and trust are fostered when patients are aware up front of what their insurance will cover and what they are accountable for. Because of this transparency, they can decide on their care without being concerned about unforeseen costs down the road.

Patients can enter their appointments with peace of mind, knowing that their coverage information have been verified, when benefit verification is done properly. They can put more emphasis on their well-being than any prospective financial shocks.

In summary

Accurate verification of benefits is an essential component of patient care. When carried out properly, it guarantees that patients feel taken care of and appreciated, builds trust, and clears up confusion. However, errors can result in unanticipated costs, postponed treatment, and patient unhappiness, all of which can have long-term effects on the patient and the practice.

Benefit verification is important for the patient experience as well as the general effectiveness of a healthcare practice, and we at Ez Settle Solutions are aware of this. In order to help our clients give their patients the finest care possible without having to worry about future billing problems, we work together with them to ensure that their benefit verification processes are as accurate and simple as possible.
Practices can improve patient satisfaction and develop closer, more trustworthy relationships with their patients by investing in improved verification procedures.

By partnering with EZ Settle Solutions, you’re choosing to streamline your operations, enhance patient satisfaction, and secure long-term success for your practice.

The primary objective of our solutions is to ensure healthcare providers receive rightful compensation for their services, while insurance coding aims to accurately submit medical visits or procedures to insurance companies with the appropriate codes for proper processing.

Talk to our RCM Experts to receive a Free Assessment 346-335-4093 / info@ezsettlesolutions.com