Practice Alternatives Inc.

FAQs

BILLING SERVICES FAQs

What specialties do you bill for?
Though we are well versed and have clients in virtually all specialties, we have a strong presence in: Podiatry, Radiology, Orthopaedics, Physical Therapy, Family Practice, Urology, Pulmonary Medicine, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Chiropractic medicine.

Do you submit claims electronically?
We submit electronic claims whenever possible. Only if a hard copy is required or if an insurer does not accept electronic claims will we do otherwise. 

Will I have access to patient account data?
All billing data resides in a shared database allowing both client and billing company 24/7 access to all practice data. Security settings may be imposed to limit employee access to appropriate information. 

Will I have access to reports?
At the end of every month you will be provided with various reports regarding the financial health of your practice. In addition to the reports provided, Rexpert provides you the ability to generate over 300 different types of reports.

How many people will be assigned to my account?
The number of employees assigned to an account is based on the volume of the account as well as the level of services requested. A lead biller will be assigned to your account with additional staff cross- trained to ensure that there is no downtime.

 

If a claim is rejected due to an administrative error, what is the process for correcting errors?
In case of errors, account managers will contact client to resolve errors before resubmitting claims. Should a report be needed, client may be asked to fax it over. If client is utilizing VoiceText services, transcribed reports will be available directly from Rexpert for our staff.

     

What are the rates that you charge?
Rates are based on the specialty as well as level of services selected.

 

How long will it take to get started?
Generally new clients require a minimum 30- day lead-time to get started, though start-up times may vary. In this period the practice must obtain Internet service or verify that their current connection is adequate. Practical Billing Solutions will assist client in registering with Medicare to submit claims through PBS as their electronic vendor. PBS must obtain information about all participating insurers, provider numbers, fee schedules and office locations/schedules in order to program database. Finally PBS must configure network, install software and train staff on use of the REXPERT system.

     

Can you convert patient data from my old practice management system?
We have completed numerous data conversions from other systems and if the need arises we are capable of providing this service. Data conversions can be complicated, this service usually requires an additional fee. Our technical staff is available to assist you in conversion related questions.

 

REXPERT SYSTEM

What about electronic claims submissions?
The Rexpert system can submit all your claims electronically to all major carriers.

 

What about Rexpert hosting?
Clients can access Rexpert one of two ways, either through our hosted (ASP) model or in-house on their own server.

     

How does hosted Rexpert Access work?
Using a HIPAA secure connection, a secure tunnel via the Internet is established between client computer(s) and our Rexpert data center. Once connected, you have full access to your practice’s data.

     

What equipment do I need?
Practice Alternatives will work with you to ensure your equipment meets all of our specifications and if need, assist in purchasing the necessary hardware.

 

Computer Requirements (minimum): Pentium III or AMD equivalent. Windows 98 or Linux operating system. Antivirus software w/ regular updates.

 

Equipment: HP Network Printers, Netscreen VPN/Firewall
HP Network Printers, Netscreen VPN/Firewall

 

Connection: High-Speed Internet connection(bandwidth requirements depend upon number of system users). Generally a DSL or Cable connection will suffice.

     

If PAI hosts Rexpert for my practice, how is my data backed up?
PAI utilizes a level of redundancy that individuals would find cost prohibitive to provide for themselves. In addition to using high end servers, all data servers have mirrored drives providing duplicate copies of your practice data incase there is a drive failure. On a daily basis we perform tape backups of all data on the drive and we regularly remove tapes to an offsite location to protect from any catastrophes. As an additional measure data is shared between servers in both our data centers, so that the process is repeated in two locations. The end result is that your practice’s critical data resides on 4 hard drives and two tape backups.

     

What about support?
All support is provided by highly trained in-house staff with prior billing experience. Our client support staff is in close proximity to technicians and programmers to provide timely reaction to all your concerns. Unlike many competitors our support staff is highly responsive to your calls, with the vast majority of calls be resolved within minutes and hours rather than days and weeks.

     

How much does it cost to start?
As a software user there are several costs involved in getting started; Programming and installation fees are generally $3-$5K, hardware/software is variable dependant upon your current infrastructure. Startup costs for the hosted service are significantly less than if you were to purchase your own server.

     

What are my ongoing costs?
Hosted: There are two fees for hosted clients, an access fee and a support fee. The fees are based on the number of practice locations, the number of users and whether or not you practice is using any additional service modules.

In-House: In-house users are responsible for a Client Support fee based on the number of locations, users and additional modules. Included in the support fee are all support related calls as well as periodic system updates or industry mandated changes.

Contact Sales for latest pricing! Telephone: (862) 207-1317.


faqs