A growing accounts receivable (AR) balance can quietly stall your ophthalmology practice’s cash flow. If you’ve noticed an increase in aged AR, the problem may not be the claims themselves, but what’s happening behind the scenes.
Eye Care Billing Consultants works exclusively with ophthalmology practices, bringing over 35 years of combined experience to identify and resolve AR issues quickly. Our hands-on approach helps providers understand why claims end up in aged accounts receivable and prevents the situation from recurring.
What Is Aged Accounts Receivable?
Aged AR refers to claims that remain unpaid beyond a typical timeframe, often categorized as:
- 30–60 days
- 60–90 days
- 90+ days
The longer a claim sits unpaid, the less likely it is to be collected.
Top Reasons Claims End Up in Aged AR
An increase in the number of claims in aged AR can be traced back to several issues, including the following.
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Patient Information
Missing or inaccurate patient details can cause claim rejections or delays. Even small errors—like a wrong ID number—can prevent payment.
How to fix it:
- Verify patient demographics at every visit
- Confirm insurance details before submission
- Train front office staff on accurate data collection
2. Coding and Documentation Errors
Incorrect coding is a leading cause of claim denials in ophthalmology billing. Without proper documentation, claims may be rejected or underpaid.
How to fix it:
- Use certified coders familiar with ophthalmology
- Review documentation for accuracy before submission
- Stay updated on coding changes and payer rules
3. Delayed Claims Submission
Submitting claims late can result in missed filing deadlines or slower reimbursement timelines.
How to fix it:
- Establish a consistent claims submission schedule
- Use billing software to track submission timelines
- Monitor for any bottlenecks in your workflow
4. Lack of Follow-Up on Denied or Pending Claims
Claims often remain unpaid simply because no one is following up. Without active monitoring, denials and pending claims can easily slip into aged AR.
How to fix it:
- Assign responsibility for AR follow-up
- Set reminders for checking claim status
- Track and resolve denials promptly
Partner With Billing Professionals to Prevent Aged AR
By identifying common problem areas like coding errors, missing information, and lack of follow-up, your practice can take control of its AR and improve overall performance.
If your practice is struggling with aging claims or uncollected revenue, Eye Care Billing Consultants can help. We assign dedicated AR specialists who investigate issues, resolve claim barriers, and even clean up older receivables that may have been overlooked.
Contact us at (646) 630-8588 to learn more.
