Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does MHS charge for services?
MHS has three product divisions: Billing Management Group (BMG), The Advisory Board (TAB) and Managed Care Business Network (MCBN). There are three pricing structures: a percentage basis; a flat fee or a combination of both pricing structures. This allows the provider flexibility based on the services requested.
Where do the payor remittances go?
Payments are always sent directly to the practice, whether it’s electronically deposited or mailed. MHS never requires payments to be sent to us. Be wary of billing companies that demand that the payments come to them. Copies of all remittances should immediately be sent to MHS for posting. Copies of EOBs will be stored with MHS for 7 years.
How does MHS personalize its operations?
We pride ourselves on our customers and services. Our staff is dedicated to each practice. MHS is structured so that each Analyst or Consultant is assigned a specialty and a state. Within each specialty, the staff is disciplined in payment policy and billing procedures to maximize revenue and knowledge base.
The Analyst, Coordinator or Consultant works the account from inception to finalization. These individuals cover all aspects of your billing needs such as entering charges, submitting claims, posting payments, sending patient statements, follow-up and answering patient billing questions.
What kind of information will MHS need from my practice?
MHS will need all patient demographic and insurance information – primary and secondary. MHS’ staff will also conduct investigations to verify and update all information. This information will be communicated to your staff on a regular basis.
Who does the Patient call for a billing question?
Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Solutions handles all patient billing calls. This allows for your staff to focus on other priorities. Our number will be printed on the patient statements for billing inquiries.
What if a patient pays in the office?
MHS should be notified of the patient’s payment immediately. This will allow MHS to make necessary changes to the account and note the system.
What if the patient is on a payment plan?
MHS will honor the agreement of the payment plan. We will conduct follow-up procedures and send as many statements as it takes to get the balance paid as long as there is patient activity on the account.
Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes. We have a written agreement that both parties sign. This is available for review after the initial consultation and practice assessment. There is also a Business Associate Agreement in place for HIPAA Compliance. Contracts are available on a 12 or 15-month basis. This allows for transition of records to MHS’ system, clean up issues and data management problems, and completion of necessary paper work.
How do I check a patient balance and account information?
Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Solutions has invested in a sophisticated data network that provides our clients with high-speed real time access to all their account information. Security features of our billing package allow us to control access to information providing you with the power to decide what information your employees will have access.
I am concerned about loosing control of my practice, how will using MHS affect the amount of control I have?
Because Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Solutions is able to provide you with real-time access to all your practice information from anywhere in the world, we are able to provide you with more control over your business. You will no longer have to worry about work backlog due to employee vacations or absences. So whether you are sitting at your desk or vacationing in Europe, answers to your finances are a click away.How much time does MHS devote to its business?
This is a full-time job.
How do we get the necessary information to MHS?
MHS recommends: faxing, courier or overnight delivery of information. The process chosen depends on the distance of the practice from MHS’ office. MHS is also willing to consider views expressed by the practice on transport of vital, personal information.How often does MHS bill patients? How about past due accounts?
If you contract with MHS’ BMG division, patients will be billed on a monthly basis for any balances due. Patients will receive past due notices for 30, 60, and 90 days past due. After 'soft collection' attempts have been exhausted, we would recommend turning the account over to a collections management organization.
Does MHS charge a Practice setup-fee?Yes. The set up-fee is determined based on the size of the practice.
What is the practice assessment fee?
There is a flat fee depending on the size of the practice. However, this can be built into the contract. If you choose not to employ MHS, the fee should be paid upon receipt of your assessment report.
How soon can MHS get started?
We can start immediately! From start to finish it can take an average time of 1 to 4 weeks to get you setup, depending on the circumstances surrounding each program purchased. We can give you a more specific time period once we have had the opportunity to assess your needs.
What reports do you provide?
Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Solutions will provide various daily, weekly and monthly reports that are customized to the program (s) that you purchase. Ad hoc reports are available as well. There is no charge for the reports; they are part of your package. The reports are outlined in the MHS Program Description Presentations.
How secure is my information?Our staff will come into contact with confidential patient information while processing information on behalf of your practice. Our confidentiality is guaranteed in a legal contract with your practice that outlines our responsibilities. You can be assured that all sensitive information will be kept confidential.
What are the advantages of filing electronically?
By filing claims electronically we are able to dramatically reduce the time the insurance companies use to process your payment. In addition electronic filing allows us to monitor claims transmitted and fix incorrect information such as Insurance policy numbers before the claim is denied. Electronic submission also helps to cut down on your A/R and increases your cash flow. Lastly, electronic submission decreases the chances of a payor denying that the claim was received into the office.
What is the time frame for billing out claims once the contact is signed?
It normally takes about a two-week period to manually convert records into our billing system. During the manual conversion, we are able to identify and correct billing and coding errors in your data. It takes 4-6 weeks to begin transmitting claims electronically due to the electronic claim submission application process of Medicare and other commercial carriers. We are able to submit paper claims until the electronic accounts are active.
Why should I employ a service that is so far away from my practice?
MHS understands that the decision to outsource is never an easy one. However, when the decision is final, there are five major criteria that should be found in the structure of the billing company. These features contribute to the financial and operational success of the practice: services; experience; staff; compliance; and, pricing.
MHS has exceptional qualifications in each category. Our goal is to significantly impact your bottom line by operating as your extended business office in a manner transparent to you and your patients. MHS believes that if the services are needed, the efforts will be made to meet all demands.How will my practice benefit from hiring MHS?
Your practice will benefit in several ways when you do business with MHS. First, cash flow will increase due to MHS’ attention to time management, coding and claims information in electronic claims submission. Great attention is dedicated to the response time in handling denials and rejections as well. That’s money waiting to be collected!
How can I contact MHS if I need more information, or want to sign up?
You may contact MHS at (267) 978-3202 or sales@midatlantic-solutions.org
MHS office hours are Monday - Friday 8:30AM to 7PM EST
…In conclusion
The lines of communication are a priority in servicing your practice. Professionally, MHS believes that your business is our business. We adhere strictly to our mission statement and values in conducting business with your practice.
