1. How long has SMBP been in business?

SMBP has been in business since 1994. Specialty Medical Billing specializes primarily in radiology billing and collections. The inception of SMBP came about as a result of the purchase of specific radiology billing software for Templeton Imaging Medical Corp., Inc. Marsha Burbridge, the business manager at that time for Templeton Imaging, started Specialty Medical Billing as a result of other radiology groups requesting consultation on billing and collection issues. Since that time SMBP provides billing services for several radiology practices.

2. How is SMBP different from other billing companies?

Specialty Billing was founded and is currently owned by medical business managers with many years of “hands on” experience. This provides a wealth of effective medical business experience and resources on how an effective medical billing company should operate. The sole focus of our operation is the business of our clients and increasing their collections. SMBP is a privately held company and not subject to shareholder demands. SMBP is very proactive in our operations. Coding is an excellent example. Internal and external audits are conducted quarterly. We hire an outside company to audit our coding quarterly to ensure accuracy and compliance.

3. Does SMBP charge any set-up fees?

No. Our billing fee is comprehensive and includes all start-up costs.

4. How does SMBP estimate its fee?

Our fee is based on each client’s scope of work. Considerations include payer mix, electronic interfaces, and modalities. Our fees are usually in the mid-range of most radiology billing companies.

5. Does SMBP provide coding support?

Yes. All coding is done from the written report. SMBP has several certified coders on staff as well as our software support. We constantly strive to educate ourselves on the latest rules for each specific geographic area. Our staff attends seminars to keep abreast of the current updates and changes. We also regularly educate our physicians on the latest requirements so their reports more appropriately reflect procedures accurately.

6. Does SMBP provide support and assistance in negotiating managed care contracts?

Absolutely. SMBP believes that we can provide valuable advice and necessary reports on prospective contracts. We can offer support at the negotiating table or be your representative at contract discussions.

7. Does SMBP’s computer system edit payments? Is information about payments by payer available routinely?

Yes. If a payer has not paid according to the negotiated fee schedule provided, the system will show the difference in an exception report. These detailed reports are used to rebill the appropriate insurance company. These reports are available during the business review with physicians and on demand.

8. Does SMBP provide credentialing services?

Yes. SMBP provides a full scope of physician credentialing services.

9. Will I work and consult with senior management on a regular basis?

Yes. Our clients meet with senior management monthly or more frequently if requested. These meetings focus on billing performance, analysis trends, identified areas for improvement, radiologist documentation feedback and educational topics for physicians.

10. What billing software does SMBP utilize?

SMBP has invested in a state-of-the-art billing system through Inspiration Technology, Inc., called Imagine. Imagine software is a “next generation” billing system designed specifically for high-volume specialties and includes technologies that are typically available only as “add-on” modules. This software is unique in that it allows for distributed work lists to easily automate and manage workflow. It also allows for real-time management reporting. SMBP has a close working relationship with Inspiration Technology in the continued development and enhancement of the Imagine system.

11. Does SMBP provide a standard package of management reports? What about custom reports?

SMBP produces a standard set of reports that are customized for each client depending on their request. The purpose of these reports is to provide the radiologists a summary of their business according to: