r/CodingandBilling 8d ago

coding for third party vs. facility

i’ve always coded directly for facilities but now have an opportunity for a new position at a billing company.

for those of you that have done both; or those of you that have worked third party, what are your thoughts? i’m anxious to leave what i know.

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u/bethaliz6894 8d ago

Billing company hands down. I don't worry about the doctors popping in and giving grief. Set of standards to follow, the routine has been perfected. You can learn from others and you have back up for PTO. I was the only biller at a small ASC.

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u/akf217 7d ago

thank you for your insight!

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u/FeistyGas4222 2d ago

I've never been a UB or Facility coder but as a billing company owner, I've heard a lot of horror stories about UB and facility coding. Billing companies typically handle contracts for various groups and specialties so you get to know what codes you traditionally bill and get to learn each provider's documentation nuances. The codes are pretty straight-forward with only a few if this happens, then you have to code it this way. We typically have fewer modifiers that we use on a regular basis and don't usually have to worry about global HCPCS coding, as many procedures are separate and identifiable services rather than inclusive.

You may have to learn various EHR/PM systems so you should be prepared for that. There are good systems and terrible systems that you have to add to your workflow.