Top 5 Insurance Claim Mistakes New Medical Administrative Assistants Make

Insurance companies do not guess. If something does not match, they deny the claim. Then the office has to fix it and resend it. This slows everything down. So, double-check every detail.

Forgetting to Check Insurance Coverage

Sometimes, new medical administrative assistants assume that a patient is covered simply because they have an insurance card. But things change, and policies expire. People switch jobs. Some plans do not cover certain services.

Suppose you are planning to work in the healthcare industry or are already studying to become a Medical Administrative Assistant in Las Vegas.

In that case, you will need to familiarize yourself with standard backend paperwork, including organizing patients’ medical records, consent and authorization forms, billing statements, and internal office reports.

These are just some of the administrative work, but for this blog, we will be discussing “Insurance Claims” and the most common mistakes new administrative assistants make.

Typing the Wrong Patient Info

It might seem like a simple error, but not in the medical field. You look at the chart and enter the name, birthday, or insurance ID. However, even a single incorrect number or letter can compromise the entire claim.

Before the patient even sees the doctor, check that their insurance is active. Call the number on the back of the card if needed. Also, ask if your insurance covers the service. This avoids big surprises for the patient later.

When you skip this step, the claim might be denied. Then, patients get bills they were not expecting. That can lead to complaints or even bad reviews.

Using the Wrong Billing Codes

Insurance claims depend on numbers called codes. Each service, from taking a blood sample to giving a shot, has its own code. If you mix them up, the claim may be sent to the wrong place or denied.

In your Medical Administrative Assistant Program, you will learn about these codes. Use your notes, check the office’s list of approved codes. If you’re unsure which one to use, ask someone for advice.

Wrong codes can cost the clinic money. Plus, they take time to correct. Learning the codes well makes you faster and more accurate.

Missing Signatures

Even a minor issue, such as a failed signature, can undermine a claim. The insurance company may reject the claim if the doctor was unable to stamp the claim or the patient failed to sign the form.

It should become a routine to see that everything is signed. Review the checklist before the patient is discharged or the document is mailed out. This step should not be hurried. An approved signing form does not only mean approval. It establishes that the service took place. Insurance companies seek that evidence.

Not Following Up

Sending a claim is not the end of the job. Claims must, however, be tracked. If the insurance company fails to respond, it is recommended to send them an email or make a phone call. That one may be you.

Follow up will enable you to nip the problems in the bud. The fax may not have gotten through. They may not be associating with it in the slightest. Payment delays may result in the loss of payments. Therefore, put reminders. Maintain a plain record of mailed claims. If something is not right, report it to your supervisor.

Mistakes Happen, But You Can Learn from Them

Nobody expects you to be perfect on day one. Even experienced medical assistants still run into claim issues. But when you know what to watch out for, you are one step ahead.

At Northwest Career College, our Medical Administrative Assistant Program in Las Vegas does more than teach you how to take vital signs. You learn real-world skills, such as how to handle insurance claims. So when you walk into your first job, you already know what to do.

Enroll Now at Northwest Career College

Start building skills that clinics need. Get trained by professionals and practice in real settings. Your career as a medical administrative assistant starts here.