7 - Creative approaches to financial issues

Abstract

In an institutional setting, it may be easy to let go of some billing details, as one is protected by the larger, revenue-generating capacities of many departments. Practitioners in all settings do not adequately reflect in their billing the actual time they spend on patient care activities. This is worth reviewing from time to time, to see if there are legitimate methods for billing for all the work done. Some neuropsychologists charge a flat fee for a neuropsychological evaluation, but author prefers to set an hourly fee. Some cases are more complex, some are more straightforward, some bring extensive records and prior neuropsychological evaluation reports, and some start afresh. Certain insurance carriers pay a fair rate for neuropsychological work and others do not. One may check with colleagues in private practice if one does not know how to bill and collect. These conversations can save endless hours of frustration and lost income. It is important to have a thorough basic information sheet that lists the patient's name, address, phone numbers, date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, name of spouse or significant other, and the name, address, and telephone number of one's referral source. It is also critical to have space for all pertinent insurance information, including the phone number to be called for preauthorization of services.