Revenue Cycle Optimization Secrets Revealed: What Experts Don't Want You to Know

### Secret #4: The "Global Period" Trap

For my General Surgery friends: the 90-day global period is where profits go to die if you aren't careful.

You do the work, you get the payout, and then you see the patient four more times for "post-op" care that is included in the fee. That’s fine, that’s the deal. But where people mess up is failing to identify complications or unrelated issues that *should* be billed separately with the correct -24 modifier.

If you’re treating a patient for a surgical wound infection, that’s global. But if that same patient comes in during the global period for a completely different issue, say, a new abdominal pain that isn't related to the surgery, you better believe you should be getting paid for that evaluation.

Most billers are too lazy or too scared of an audit to push for these. **Don't let them.** You work hard for your expertise; make sure your billing reflects the complexity of the care you provide.

### Secret #5: Your "In-House" Billing is Probably More Expensive Than You Think

I hear this all the time: "Misty, I like having my biller right down the hall. I can just talk to her."

That’s great for your social life, but is it great for your bottom line?

When you factor in salary, health insurance, 401k, PTO, office space, and the fact that she’s also the one answering phones and checking in patients... you’re paying a premium for inefficiency. Plus, what happens when she goes on vacation? Your revenue stops. **Not good.**

The secret the industry doesn't want you to know? A specialized, [boutique billing service](https://www.medicalarss.com/about) costs less and performs better because we don't have to worry about who is making the coffee or if the waiting room is clean. We just worry about your money.


### Secret #6: The Power of A La Carte

Most big-box RCM companies want to swallow your whole practice. They want 6-8% of everything you make, and they want to control every aspect of your life.

**WRONG.**

You should have the flexibility to choose what you need. Maybe you have a great front desk but your credentialing is a mess. Or maybe your coding is solid but your old A/R is gathering dust. You deserve a partner who can jump in and fix the specific leaks in your ship without charging you for the whole boat.

### Time to Level Up

Look, I get it. You want to be in the OR or the endoscopy suite, not arguing with Cigna about a denied claim for a Level 4 E&M. But if you don't take control of your revenue cycle, you're basically working for free a few days a month.

Stop settling for "industry standard." Demand better. Demand transparency. And for heaven's sake, demand that your billers know the difference between an inguinal hernia and an umbilical one.

If you’re ready to see what's actually happening under the hood of your practice, www.medicalarss.com. We’ll give it to you straight, no fluff, no "expert" smoke and mirrors. Just your money, back in your pocket.

**P.S.** If you haven't checked your "Days in A/R" in the last 30 days, do it right now. If it’s over 40, we need to talk. Like, yesterday.