Charge capture is a process used by doctors and other health care providers so that they get paid for their services. In its simplest form, charge capture is the process whereby doctors record information on their services, which is then sent out to different payers and insurance companies for reimbursement. For example, let’s say a doctor sees you in the hospital, and after 30 minutes of care the doctor diagnoses you with hypertension. Both the hypertension diagnosis and the 30 minutes of care translate into separate codes which are eventually submitted for reimbursement.
One of the big variables in charge capture among medical practices is the way in which doctors record and transfer this information.
Pop Quiz: What are doctors using to capture their charges?
A) Smartphones
B) Post-it notes
C) Spreadsheets
D) Cafeteria napkins
E) All of the above
The correct answer? E. There are numerous ways to capture charges, and as you may have guessed, certain methods are more effective than others.
As an alternative to paper based systems like index cards and hospital print-outs, electronic charge capture ensures faster reporting and greater billing accuracy. When doctors submit charges electronically, it also reduces data entry errors along the way and eliminates the need to decipher enigmatic handwriting. Paper can't keep up with ever-changing government regulations like ICD-10 and MIPS, but electronic charge capture can incorporate many solutions right into the software.
The best and most efficient form of charge capture involves using mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets. Doctors can record their charges using a charge capture application on their phones, allowing them to enter charges on the go. And because they can submit these electronically, doctors no longer have to shuttle paper charges back and forth from the hospital to their office.
Mobile charge capture is also the most secure method because all of the data is encrypted, both on the device and in transit. This way, doctors don’t have to worry about misplacing a paper charge and putting confidential patient information at risk.
pMD provides intuitive, elegant mobile charge capture software that improves patient care and makes doctors happy. Learn more about pMD charge capture.