Making the Choice
Along with the power of choosing an anesthesia billing and practice management company, come the consequences of that choice. A task not to be taken lightly. The decision affects both your anesthesia practice and you. Not long ago, running a practice was a lot simpler. Now companies profess to do so much more than just manage the billing. So how do you choose? Do you choose based on cost, collection guarantees, incentives, promises, location or size of the company?

Don't leave this critical decision...
                                 to a game of chance.

How to Choose and What to Look for in an Anesthesia Billing Company


• STAY FOCUSED
At the end of the day, savings and increased revenue will be a result of how the billing company truly performs for your anesthesia practice. It's easy to get side-tracked. Take names, pricing and the "bells and whistles" out of the mix. Focus on the long-term needs and goals.

• LOOK AT THE HISTORY
Do your research. Look for companies with long-standing success and a positive reputation for serving anesthesiologists and CRNAs. In an industry that is continuing to evolve, experience in the anesthesia industry can go a long way. Check current and former client references of the company.

• ASK ABOUT THE STAFF
Learn about the companies' staff. Anesthesia billing is complex; you want to ensure they have quality and education on their side. Develop a list of questions to ask each company you are evaluating. Ask to speak with the staff members that would be directly assisting your practice if you chose that company.

• TECHNOLOGY
We live in a technology age and so should your anesthesia practice. New technology can certainly create "oohs" and "ahhs". Again, stay focused on the actual capabilities and what your anesthesia practice needs. Special features that are not a requirement are just an added bonus... your practice won't get far if the performance of the anesthesia software doesn't out weigh the special features.

• KNOW WHAT THE NUMBERS MEAN
Anyone can recite numbers you want to hear and most numbers you hear will "claim" to meet industry standards. Be prepared to provide specific information on your practice. Discuss at length how these numbers apply to your practice's patient mix, insurance contracts, local unemployment rates and more. Ask about the companies' processes and methods for the entire anesthesia revenue cycle management process. These days, it's not enough to just claim industry standards are met.

• INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
Companies that support industry organizations are staying in-tune with the latest information that is affecting your work. If it affects your anesthesia practice, it should be important to the company you are trusting to manage your practice as well.