7 RCM Myths That Lead to Lost Revenue

Rehab therapists have a remarkable set of skills. In addition to being experts of movement who can help get patients with any number of conditions back on their feet—often literally, in this case—they’ve also mastered the skill of being part friend, part coach, and sometimes part drill sergeant with their patients, depending on what hat they need to wear that day. When it comes to billing, however? That’s where clinicians are often the ones in need of expert help.  

For therapists without a background in billing, there are some common revenue cycle management misconceptions that lead to long-term mistakes. Let’s break down some of the most common. 

 “Once we submit a claim, our work is done.”

Reality: Submission is often just the first step in the billing process. For every clean claim you submit, there are more coming back denied for any number of reasons—and the longer you take to rework those claims, the more your A/R adds up and the less your chances of actually getting paid in full.  

“Eligibility checks aren’t something we need to do.”

Reality: While it’d be nice if you could count on your patients to tell you about their coverage with total accuracy, you really should be checking their eligibility before you end up with denied claims down the line. Expediency now leads to more work later.     

“Billing is something our front desk can manage on the side.”

Reality: The complexity of billing makes it a full-time task, not a side hustle. If you want to effectively manage your billing operations, you need dedicated personnel who know how to submit clean claims on time and can focus on follow-ups. Your front desk’s energy is best spent delivering excellent care and patient experiences—not navigating payer rules and denial codes.

“Patient payments aren’t a big revenue factor.”

Reality:  With deductibles constantly rising, patients are shouldering a greater portion of the cost for their care. Many providers are worried about an awkward conversation with patients when it comes to their financial responsibility, but if you’re not collecting copays, you’re missing out on a growing percentage of your clinic revenue. 

“Software can solve our RCM problems.”

Reality: While software can make your billing considerably easier, it can’t replicate the things that require a human touch—things that a billing team can do, like following up with payers, reworking denied claims, and tackling your A/R to avoid writing off thousands of dollars you should be getting paid. 

“Denials are just part of doing business.”

Reality: Denials don’t have to be a reality for your clinic. With the right team and processes in place,  claims go out the door quickly and accurately—and those denials you do get are reworked and resubmitted before you’ve had the chance to check. 

“Our A/R is fine—it’s about average.”

Reality: Unfortunately, too many clinics are leaving too much money on the table, so “average” is likely costing you thousands of dollars a year. Getting paid for your work isn’t about getting rich; it’s about keeping the lights on for your patients and providers. Shouldn’t you want your RCM to be as exceptional as the care you’re providing every day? 

One way to avoid billing miscues is to hand things over to the people who handle RCM all day, every day.  WebPT’s RCM team brings unparalleled expertise and experience to your billing operations to get you paid on time. We manage your entire billing process, from claims submission to insurance and patient collections, so you can focus on what matters: taking care of your patients.