What Questions Should a Clinical Laboratory Ask to Gather Accurate Data from the Beneficiary?
Laboratories can save time and money by collecting patient insurance information prior to billing for services. When gathering insurance information, the following questions should be addressed: • Is the patient covered by any GHP through his or her current or former employment? How many employees work for the employer providing coverage? • Is the patient covered by any GHP through is or her spouse or other family member’s current or former employment? How many employees work for the employer providing coverage? • Is the patient receiving Federal Black Lung Program benefits? • Is the patient receiving Workers’ Compensation (WC) benefits? • Is the illness or injury covered under automobile insurance, no-fault insurance, medical payments coverage, personal injury insurance, liability insurance, or a medical “set aside” account from a legal settlement? • Is the patient being treated for an injury or illness for which another party could be held liable? If the clinical laboratory does not
