One of the major areas MHM is approached about is excess and shortfalls.
In October 2022, empirical evidence indicated circa 40% of all claims to private medical insurance companies are subject to an excess/shortfall. This is not to imply the insurance companies are to blame.
The reality is that patients have reduced the costs of their premiums over the last few years by agreeing to a higher excess.
But the knock-on effect of this has been an increase in excess deductions.
So what can the private consultant surgeon do about it?
The number one rule in tacking the issue of excess deductions is to identify when they happen. This is actually easy. The remittance from the insurance company WILL confirm when an excess has been made. It most likely will also state their insured (the patient) has been notified.
But under no circumstances should the problem be left at that.
The practice must, at the very least, action all shortfalls straightaway. Under no circumstances should this be allowed to exceed 7 days. Excess or shortfall deductions made again MHM clients are actioned within 48 hours. Such action may be an invoice for the amount of the excess/shortfall immediately sent to the patient. The invoice must state how much is due, why and how it should be paid.
This must be followed by a very robust process that makes sure such invoices are followed up.
If you want a complimentary PFD of the invoice MHM uses for excess or shortfalls, email me at the address below:
pete@medicalhealthcaremanagement.co.uk