Coordination of Benefits and Secondary Billing: Getting the Order Right the First Time

Building a Reliable Process

A dependable COB workflow includes accurate intake, verification at each visit, careful posting of primary payments, prompt secondary submissions, and regular review of secondary accounts. Many practices also run a periodic report of claims where a secondary payer is on file but no secondary claim has been sent, which catches revenue that would otherwise be missed.

For a broader look at the process, this medical billing process flowchart shows where COB fits. Practices wanting added support can explore full-service medical billing support as one resource.

Patients benefit from a clear explanation as well. Many are unsure why they receive an explanation of benefits showing a balance after two plans have paid, or why a claim was held while insurers sorted out the order. A brief, plain-language note at registration describing how two plans work together reduces confusion and calls to the office later.

The Short Version

Getting the payer order right at registration prevents most of the trouble that follows. With accurate intake, careful posting, and attention to each plan's rules, secondary billing becomes a routine step instead of a source of delay.

Getting the payer order right at registration prevents most of the trouble that follows. With accurate intake, careful posting, and attention to each plan's rules, secondary billing becomes a routine step instead of a source of delay.