Massage Practice Builder

Billing Insurance for massage services is one way of setting yourself aside from other massage therapists and also helping to build your massage business.  Each state and each insurance plan actually can be different making it a maze of paperwork and frustration.   Learning about what is needed in your state to bill insurance companies and get paid within a reasonable time is a process.

As far as I know, every state can bill for injuries on the job (workman’s compensation, labor and industries or whatever it is called in your state and for motor vehicle accidents.  I did hear that PA was having some issues around being able to bill for those so maybe someone could chime in.  I am also looking to create a list of states in which you are able to bill HMO’s and PPO’s and other resources for taking classes and finding a mentor to help you learn to bill in your state.

The first thing to do though before you do go out billing insurance companies is to take the time to figure out if doing this will be profitable for your business.   Figure out your cost per client using the simple formula that I have on the main site.

Learning everything you can about insurance billing before you start will help you prepare the proper forms and have an understanding of what to do.  Getting a mentor or finding a class in your area is really one of the best ways to learn.  Once you learn the basics then it is a matter of keeping up to date with the latest forms and codes that you need to know.

After you have decided that you do want to bill insurance companies here are some other things you will need to look into?

• Do I need a National Provider Number (NPI)?  You can sign up for one easily at NPPES
• Get the proper forms in order.  You will need an intake form that asks the same questions that are on the required billing form the CMS 1500.   You can see what a form looks like here.
• You will need to know how to do chart notes and progress reports.  Efficient documentation is one of the keys to getting paid.
• Learn what questions you need to ask the client and the insurance company.  You can start with some of the questions I use and then figure other questions that will be necessary in your state or for various insurance companies.
• Learn how to work with doctors and create a marketing plan to contact doctors and create a referral network.

The thing to remember is that the information I am providing is based on my experiences and work in WA State.  Some of it may or may not apply to your situation and state.  You will have to find out for yourself what YOU need to bill effectively!

I am also starting a group at a ning.com community (free to join and use) of massage professionals to hopefully connect more people with others in their state and get more help with learning to bill insurance companies more effectively.