The ACR recognizes these burdens on rheumatology practices and is dedicated to working with members to address both individual and system-wide insurance issues. The ACR is continuously creating programs to bring awareness to payers and providers on eliminating waste and alleviating administrative burdens. Through the ACR’s Insurance Subcommittee (ISC), the organization strives to collaborate with health plans nationwide to influence policies and address standardization of claims process and prior authorization to eliminate waste and reduce costs.
If you have an insurance issue, ask the ISC for help! The subcommittee cannot negotiate contracts for physicians, but its members are willing and able to investigate unfair practices from insurance companies that would put a patient’s health at risk from their disease. Please fill out the ACR health plan complaints form at www.rheumatology.org/practice/officesupport/insurance regarding your insurance issue, and the ACR staff and ISC will do their part to assist you.
Visit the ACR website at www.rheumatology.org/practice for all your practice needs. For questions or additional information on claims processing or denials, contact the ACR practice management department at [email protected].
References
- Collins SR, Nuzum R, Rustgi SD, Mika S, Schoen C, Davis K. How health care reform can lower the costs of insurance administration. Issue Brief (Commonw Fund). 2009; 61:1-19.
- TripleTree LLC. Healthcare revenue cycle management: A TripleTree industry analysis. 2006.
- Casalino LP, Nicholson S, Gans DN, et al. What does it cost physician practices to interact with health insurance plans? Health Aff (Millwood). 2009;28:w533-w543.
- Institute of Medicine. The healthcare imperative: Lowering costs and improving outcomes: Workshop series summary. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 2010.
