When should a billing and coding specialist perform a charge entry?

Performing charge entry immediately after services are rendered is essential for maintaining accurate and timely billing. This process involves documenting all the services provided to the patient while the details are still fresh in the mind of the billing and coding specialist. This practice minimizes errors, ensuring that all codes for procedures, diagnoses, and any other necessary information are accurately recorded.

In the context of the billing cycle, timely charge entry is crucial for the billing department to process claims efficiently and submit them to insurance providers without delay. This helps in reducing the overall accounts receivable period and improves cash flow for the healthcare facility.

Waiting until after the patient leaves or slightly before their arrival could lead to missed information or inaccuracies because the details may not be as clearly remembered. Performing charge entry during the patient's visit might also distract from providing care, leading to potential oversights. Therefore, entering charges promptly after services are rendered strikes a balance between accuracy and efficiency in the billing process.