Acupuncture Billing Requires Patience and Discipline

Teresa Johnson • August 13, 2017
Medical Billing

Acupuncture billing poses a unique set of challenges that can frustrate even the most knowledgeable medical billing experts. If you are a clinic that specializes in acupuncture, or one that offers acupuncture in addition to other medical services, you are well aware of the difficulty involved in billing for acupuncture services.

One of the most troublesome aspects of acupuncture billing is the fact that there is such a disparity between what different insurers will cover. While some insurance companies will approve acupuncture to only treat pain, others will cover much more.

Another common problem is that it is difficult to find qualified staff to perform your acupuncture billing. Acupuncture billers must have the patience and discipline to learn the subtleties of acupuncture billing. Unfortunately, when it comes to insurance reimbursements, time is money. If claims are not done correctly and in a timely manner, the result is delayed or denied claims which negatively effects a clinic’s cash flow.

Many acupuncturists decide not to accept insurance for their services. While this is understandable given an overwhelming amount of paperwork and denied claims. In the long run, however, this is can be a mistake.

The complexities of acupuncture billing leads many acupuncturists to decide not to accept insurance for their services. While this is understandable, it can have a negative impact on a clinic. Here are some things to consider about insurance before deciding not to accept it:

  1. More clients will be able to afford your services. When you accept insurance, patients who could not otherwise afford to be treated with acupuncture will be able to get the care they need.
  2. You can make more money. While it’s true that some insurance companies reimburse less than acupuncturists charge, this is not always the case. Further, the number of additional patients you are likely to attract by accepting insurance is likely to offset reduced reimbursements.
  3. It can enhance your marketing efforts. As an in-network provider you will be listed in print and online directories that companies provide to their employees. This will help to attract new patients.

Fortunately, the insurance industry is covering more acupuncture services every day. There are a variety reasons for this including the fact that complementary and alternative medicine is growing in popularity among Americans. According the National Institutes of Health, in the United States, four in 10 adults and one in nine children are being are currently being treated with some form of alternative medicine. Acupuncture also is increasingly being viewed as a cost-effective treatment that consumers are willing to pay for—even if it comes out of their own pocket.

Of course, acupuncture still poses significant challenges when it comes to billing. In light of this fact, it is often in the best interest of patients and providers to outsource this complex task to an experienced medical billing services firm.

Need help with your billing?  Call or Text Billing Buddies at 612.432.2366 or email bonnie@billingbuddies.com.

 

 

By Teresa Johnson August 29, 2025
Obstetrics and gynecology practices provide a wide range of essential healthcare services, but billing for these services is often more complicated than it looks. Unlike other specialties, Ob/Gyn billing involves bundled maternity care, preventive screenings, and complex surgical procedures, all of which have their own coding requirements. Even a small error in billing can delay payments, cause claim denials, and place unnecessary pressure on staff. Specialized Ob/Gyn billing solutions help practices reduce these risks by bringing structure, accuracy, and consistency into the financial side of care. Why Ob/Gyn Billing Requires Specialized Expertise? Ob/Gyn billing is not the same as general medical billing. It includes a wide range of services, from routine exams to complex surgical procedures, each with its own coding and payer rules. For example: Maternity care is billed globally, which means prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum care are grouped into one billing cycle. Errors in bundling can cause significant payment delays. Preventive services such as Pap smears or annual screenings are covered differently by various insurers, making accuracy essential. Procedural care such as hysterectomies, infertility treatments, or laparoscopic surgeries requires in-depth coding knowledge to ensure proper reimbursement. Because Ob/Gyn practices balance preventive, surgical, and bundled maternity services, billing without specialized knowledge creates a high risk of underpayment and revenue leakage. The Importance of Accurate Coding in Women’s Health Services Coding is the foundation of every billing process. In Ob/Gyn practices, it requires particular care because services often overlap. For example, a provider might deliver a baby via C-section while also addressing a medical complication. If coding does not reflect the full scope of care, reimbursements will be incomplete. Accurate coding also ensures compliance. Insurance companies and government payers audit claims regularly, and incorrect coding can result in penalties or rejected claims. Practices that stay on top of CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS coding updates protect themselves from both financial loss and compliance risks. Reliable Ob/Gyn billing solutions give practices the confidence that services are coded correctly, every time. Common Insurance Reimbursement Obstacles Insurance reimbursement in Ob/Gyn practices often creates frustration. Payers may reject claims for contraceptive procedures, delay reimbursements for infertility treatments, or require extensive pre-authorization for certain diagnostics. Practices that do not have systems in place to track these claims can spend months appealing or resubmitting paperwork. Frequent obstacles include Claims denied for contraceptive procedures due to payer-specific restrictions Incorrect bundling of maternity services, leading to partial payments Denials for infertility or preventive screenings depending on coverage plans The growing need for pre-authorizations that delay claim submissions Inconsistent rules for coverage of diagnostic versus preventive care Without specialized support, providers often end up writing off these denials as losses. A strong Ob/Gyn billing solution focuses on proactive claim monitoring, payer communication, and timely appeals to ensure reimbursements are not lost in the shuffle. Benefits of Streamlined Billing Workflows A well-structured billing process saves time, reduces errors, and creates a steady revenue cycle. Practices that invest in automation and integrated billing software find that their claims are processed faster, with fewer rejections. Electronic health record (EHR) systems linked to billing platforms also make it easier to keep patient data accurate and claims consistent. The result is more than just financial efficiency. Streamlined workflows reduce the administrative burden on staff, leaving more room for patient interaction and quality care. They also build trust with patients, since billing becomes clearer and less prone to unexpected errors. In today’s healthcare environment, efficiency in billing is as important as clinical care in maintaining a successful practice. How Billing Buddies Brings Value to Ob/Gyn Practices? Billing Buddies provides Ob/Gyn billing solutions designed to address the exact needs of women’s health providers. Their team has extensive experience with global maternity billing, surgical coding, and preventive care claims, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Beyond coding, Billing Buddies also focuses on denial management, compliance monitoring, and revenue cycle reporting. Practices that partner with Billing Buddies gain both advanced technology and the support of experienced billing professionals who understand how to navigate payer requirements. This combination allows Ob/Gyn practices to protect revenue, reduce delays, and improve their overall financial health. Simplifying Billing for Ob/Gyn Practices with Billing Buddies Billing in obstetrics and gynecology is complex, but it does not have to hold back a practice. With accurate coding, efficient workflows, and the right support team, providers can avoid costly mistakes and keep reimbursements flowing steadily. Billing Buddies is committed to helping practices achieve this through expert solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized Ob/Gyn insurance billing services and take control of your revenue cycle.
By Teresa Johnson August 29, 2025
Psychologists enter the field to help people manage their mental health, not to wrestle with administrative red tape. Yet one of the most significant hurdles a practice faces is credentialing. Without proper credentialing, providers are locked out of insurance networks, reimbursement gets delayed, and patient access is restricted. What should be a straightforward process often turns into a time-consuming challenge. This is where psychology credentialing solutions step in, offering structured support that helps practices focus on care instead of paperwork. Why Credentialing Matters for Psychologists? Credentialing is the process that confirms a provider’s qualifications and allows them to join insurance panels. For psychology practices, this process ensures three critical things: Patients with insurance can access care Practices receive timely and accurate reimbursements Providers establish trust and credibility with both patients and payers When credentialing is in place, psychologists expand their reach and position their practices for long-term success. The Common Barriers in the Credentialing Process While credentialing is essential, psychologists often find the process overwhelming. Insurers ask for large amounts of documentation, each with slightly different requirements. Errors, even minor ones, can push approvals back for months. Recredentialing adds another layer of stress, as providers must repeat the cycle every few years. These barriers are frustrating, especially for solo practitioners or small groups who lack dedicated administrative staff. Steps Involved in Credentialing At a glance, credentialing seems like a sequence of steps. In practice, each stage comes with its own challenges: Collecting documents such as licenses, degrees, malpractice insurance, and work history Completing payer-specific applications Submitting information for verification Responding to follow-ups or corrections Monitoring applications until final approval The steps themselves are clear, but managing them across several payers at once quickly becomes a drain on time and energy. How Credentialing Affects Practice Growth? The state of a provider’s credentialing has a direct impact on revenue and patient volume. A psychologist who is not credentialed will miss out on insured patients, limiting growth. Even worse, delayed or denied applications can lead to months without reimbursements. Conversely, a well-managed credentialing process allows practices to scale, build financial stability, and strengthen their reputation in the community. Professional Psychology Credentialing Solutions Outsourcing credentialing is not about giving up control — it is about gaining support. Credentialing specialists know payer requirements inside and out, which means fewer mistakes and faster turnaround. With professional help, psychologists benefit from: Accurate applications that reduce denials Systematic tracking of credentialing status Alerts for recredentialing deadlines Freedom to spend more time with patients instead of paperwork These solutions turn a draining task into a smooth process that supports practice growth. Billing Buddies and Their Mental Health Credentialing Services Billing Buddies offers tailored support for mental health professionals, including psychologists. Their mental health credentialing services cover the full scope of the process, from preparing documents to managing renewals. With their experience, providers no longer face endless back-and-forth with insurers. Instead, they gain peace of mind, compliance, and stronger financial stability. Billing Buddies ensures credentialing is handled correctly, so practices can keep their focus where it belongs, on patient care. Technology’s Role in Streamlining Credentialing Technology now complements human expertise in credentialing. Secure online systems store documents, track application progress, and send reminders before deadlines. These tools reduce manual errors and bring greater transparency. When paired with professional oversight, technology-driven credentialing becomes both faster and more reliable. Simplify Credentialing and Strengthen Your Psychology Practice Credentialing may feel like an obstacle, but with the right support it becomes the foundation of a thriving practice. Psychologists who partner with Billing Buddies gain efficient, accurate, and stress-free credentialing through dedicated mental health credentialing services . By removing administrative barriers, providers can expand patient access, protect revenue, and build lasting stability. Hence, reach out to Billing Buddies today to simplify credentialing and refocus on patient care.
Healthcare Billing
By Teresa Johnson June 27, 2025
Minnesota mental health billing doesn't have to be hard. Learn how Billing Buddies simplifies the process and boosts your revenue.