Timing for Implementation Claim Audits

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When transitioning to a new third-party claim administrator or pharmacy benefit manager, conducting a comprehensive implementation audit at the 90-day mark is essential. The initial review conducted by medical claim auditing services provides independent verification to ensure that claim payments are being processed accurately and that the plan's best interests are being upheld. Despite the assurances of improved service from new TPAs and PBMs, relying on the audit process to validate these claims is imperative. An auditor's independent, third-party review is the most reliable oversight available.

Employing advanced audit software to review 100% of the claims meticulously is crucial. The complexity of claim processing demands a thorough examination of every detail to ensure that the plan's parameters are accurately integrated into the new system. Even with accuracy guarantees in service agreements, only a claim audit can provide the necessary validation. Experienced claim auditors recommend the 90-day mark for the implementation review, as this timeline allows for identifying and resolving emerging error patterns before they evolve into significant issues.

TPAs and PBMs operate intricate systems tailored to the specifics of claim processing, and integrating the plan's parameters accurately demands meticulous work. Identifying setup issues through expert auditors provides tangible oversight data, facilitating prompt action and corrections. Despite the best intentions of TPAs and PBMs, programming every detail into their systems isn't always straightforward, and internal oversight may overlook what an auditor can catch. Modern claim audit software can detect surprising errors that, if left unaddressed, can lead to escalating costs and budgetary challenges.

Self-funded employer benefit plans often cover large employee groups, making even minor mistakes potentially significant due to the plan's scale. Accurate claims payment and adherence to agreements present substantial cost-saving opportunities. Following the implementation audit, continuous monitoring using the same software provides real-time updates on claim payments, enabling quicker recovery of overpayments and streamlined issue resolution. Plan sponsors have fiduciary responsibilities, and careful plan management helps meet them—it also helps assure consistent member service.
 
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