This article was originally posted on redOrbit: http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/2034324/california_dwc_issues_ebilling_rules/index.html?source=r_health
The much anticipated e-billing rules that the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) announced some time ago have now been signed into existence.
These new rules not only are an opportunity for providers and payers to more effectively manage medical billing processes, but also represents a number of years of collaboration between a wide array of stakeholders,
The new rules embrace national transaction standards which should facilitate the overall implementation process. These rules also reflect some of the specific needs of the California Workers’ Compensation system.”
The new California rules also require payers to be able to accept electronic medical bills and their related attachments in 18 months. And, the rules also mandate changes to paper billing practices and data capture requirements within 6 months of the effective date, or October 15, 2011.
Californian service providers ” applaud the efforts of the DWC and all of the stakeholders. The current focus on the federal Affordable Care Act, and in particular efforts led by the American Medical Association to reduce the estimated $200 billion of administrative waste in healthcare in such areas as billing, collections, and remittance management - highlight the need for these rule changes.”
Even though Workers’ Compensation is a small segment of total U.S. healthcare spend annually, the use of electronic medical billing in the group health world has a proven track record for improving communications and coordination between providers and payers.
Source: redOrbit
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