Billing and Coding Essentials for Practice Growth

Course Objectives

1. Develop a Coding Profile to Maximize Revenue
   Learners will create a customized coding profile based on their most commonly performed procedures and future service offerings to reduce missed opportunities and billing errors.
   
   
2. Treat the Billing Department Like a Business Within the Business
   Learners will shift their mindset to view billing as a vital business unit, requiring its own systems, coaching, and regular performance review.
   
   
3. Build Confidence in Insurance Coding and Appeal Processes
   Learners will understand when and how to use key codes (e.g., D0180, D0150), how to document periodontal exams, and what narratives and documentation increase acceptance of claims and reduce denials.
   
   
4. Improve Doctor-Biller Communication and Collaboration
   Learners will implement regular meetings between clinical and billing teams to align documentation with billing requirements and prevent systemic errors.
   
   
5. Streamline Crown and Buildup Approval With the Right Evidence
   Learners will adopt pre-op intraoral photo protocols and use strategic narratives (e.g., “necessary for retention”) to get crowns and buildups approved more consistently.
   
   
6. Understand and Monitor Healthy AR Benchmarks
   Learners will learn how to track accounts receivable and aim for less than 3% in the 90+ day column and under 5% in the 60–90 day range—while identifying red flags like problematic autopay systems.
   
   
7. Empower Billers Through Clear Expectations and Respectful Dialogue
   Learners will explore how to support billing team members by setting measurable goals, listening to their observations, and creating shared accountability systems.
   
   
8. Prepare for and Execute Insurance Fee Negotiations
   Learners will be guided through starting direct insurance negotiations, identifying top carriers with the highest write-offs, and deciding when to use third-party administrators versus going direct.
   
   
9. Diagnose Systemic Issues Through Monthly Billing Audits
   Learners will implement monthly reviews of denied claims, missing documentation, and recurring billing issues—empowering billers to act as proactive “practice auditors.”
   
   
10. Foster Cross-Departmental Accountability to Strengthen Collections
    Learners will build systems that hold assistants, associates, and admin staff accountable for the documentation and follow-through that impact claim success and cash flow.