Massage therapy is a growing field, and many practitioners are looking for ways to increase their income and grow their clientele. One way to do this is to get involved in the world of Workers’ Compensation billing for massage therapy services.
This type of billing can provide a steady stream of income for massage therapists, but there are a few things that need to be understood before getting started.
Learning the basics of Workers’ Compensation billing for massage therapy can help you get on the right track and ensure you are billing correctly. This article will provide a general overview of the billing process for massage therapists treating clients who have been involved in an accident at work and outline a few of the pros and cons related to accepting these types of claims.
Keep in mind that every state has a different approach to massage therapy and insurance billing. Becoming familiar with your state’s regulations as well as nationwide billing rules and laws will help keep you in compliance. It is also a good idea to seek out an experienced colleague, mentor or course to familiarize yourself with the details of billing Workers’ Compensation insurance and learn how each company you will work with operates.
What is Workers’ Compensation Billing?
There are many types of insurance companies that can be involved in Workers’ Compensation billing for massage therapists. Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance designed to help individuals who are injured on the job.
In order to be eligible for Workers’ Compensation, the employee must be injured on the job and have proof the injury was covered under the law. This can include things like an accident at work, an injury from a work-related accident and an injury due to an occupational disease. Once an employee has proof they are eligible for Workers’ Compensation, the insurance company will look at the circumstances surrounding the injury.
This can include things like the time of day the injury occurred, where the injury occurred, how severe the injury was and more. Once the insurance company has all of this information, it will calculate how much the injured employee is eligible to receive.
How to Bill for Workers’ Compensation Claims
Work accidents and the process of filing a claim can be a stressful or possibly even a traumatic experience for those involved, and massage therapists can play an important role in helping victims recover from their injuries. The first step in the billing process is to obtain the necessary information from your client. This includes the client’s name, address, date of birth, phone number, and date and details of the accident, as well as the insurance company’s name and the insurance adjuster’s name and phone number. It is important to obtain this information in order to ensure you can verify the client’s claim and be properly reimbursed for your services.
Once the necessary information has been obtained, you should contact the client’s insurance company to determine if the client’s policy covers massage therapy services provided by a licensed massage therapist, find out if a prescription from a doctor is required, and ensure that the claim is open and active. It is also a good idea to ask the adjuster what fax number or email address you should send bills and supporting documents to.
If the client’s Workers’ Compensation claim does require a prescription from a doctor, you should request this from your client so you can submit it along with your first bill to the insurance adjuster.
For all massage therapists who are new to billing insurance companies for massage, it is recommended they seek out an experienced mentor or course to learn how to bill successfully for Workers’ Compensation claims as well as how to track claims and payments appropriately.
Many of us in the massage profession opt to learn the hard way, which may mean losing money and adding unnecessary stress to our plates until we have made enough mistakes to know what we are doing when it comes to billing insurance companies for massage services. This is not an ideal approach and with a little searching you should be able to find enough information on the topic to bill with ease and be successful at getting paid the first time around.
Pros and Cons of Billing Insurance Companies for Workers’ Compensation Claims
While it might sound daunting, there are many benefits to billing Workers’ Compensation claims for your clients. At the same time, it isn’t for everyone and it is very important to weigh the pros and cons of billing insurance for your massage practice. I have listed a few of these below.
Pros of billing insurance companies for Workers’ Compensation claims:
• Increased clientele and income
• Clients who have accident claims are in need of care and are committed to regular visits
• Helping clients who have been in an accident at work find their way back to health can be very fulfilling
• Your clients will appreciate the extra service you are offering them by billing their insurance company directly
• Stand out among your peers by offering a service not many massage therapists are familiar with
• You could specialize in massage therapy for accident victims
Cons of billing insurance companies for Workers’ Compensation claims:
• Increased workload due to claim verification and billing time
• Some Workers’ Compensation claims can be complex and require more conversation with an adjuster in order to get paid
• The process of billing can be confusing if you aren’t properly trained
• Payments can take between two weeks and 45 days to arrive after the bill has been submitted
While billing for massage therapy services related to Workers’ Compensation accidents can be complicated, it can also bring many benefits to your massage practice and it is likely easier than you might think. With the proper training and a system of organization for billing and tracking payments, massage therapists can ensure they are properly reimbursed for their services.
Strategies for Working with Insurance Companies
• Gather all of your documents and client information before calling the adjuster or insurance company to verify a claim
• Always verify that a client’s claim is open and active and that you will be paid for your services
• Approach insurance company representatives with respect and consideration
• Bill for your client visits in a timely manner, either after each visit or weekly at minimum
• Keep a ledger for dates and amounts you billed as well as payments you received
• Be persistent if you aren’t getting paid even after following the appropriate steps by following up with the insurance adjuster regularly to see what information they need from you in order to send you payment for your services.
About the Author
Julie Campbell has practiced massage therapy in Portland, Oregon, since 2009. She is an active member of the massage community and teaches business and insurance billing to massage therapists throughout the U.S. Campbell has a passion for helping massage therapists and practice owners find their unique path to success through video courses, online resources and one-on-one coaching sessions.