The Superbill: Everything You Need To Know
A superbill is a document that is used to request reimbursement for medical services from insurance providers. It provides detailed information about the services that were provided, including the date of service, the provider’s name and information, the diagnosis code, and the procedure codes. In this article, we will explore how a superbill works and how it can be used to submit a claim to insurance. We will also discuss when it is appropriate to ask for a superbill and whether it can be used if you do not have out-of-network benefits. Understanding the role of a superbill in the medical billing process can help you get the most out of your insurance coverage and ensure that you are fairly compensated for the medical services you receive.
Superbill Table of Contents
What is a Superbill And How Does It Work?
A superbill is a document used by medical providers to request reimbursement for services from insurance companies. It is typically provided to patients after they have received medical treatment and includes detailed information about the services that were provided, including the date of service, the provider’s name and information, the diagnosis code, and the procedure codes. The purpose of a superbill is to provide insurance companies with the information they need to process a claim for reimbursement.
To use a superbill, a medical provider will typically fill out the document with the relevant information and then submit it to the insurance company along with a request for reimbursement. The insurance company will then review the superbill and use the information provided to determine the amount of coverage that is available for the services that were provided. If the claim is approved, the insurance company will either send a payment to their insurance member/subscriber for the approved amount or provide credit toward their deductible.
In some cases, patients may be required to pay a portion of the medical costs out-of-pocket, depending on their insurance coverage. In these cases, the patient may be responsible for paying the deductible or copayment amount, and the insurance company will pay the remainder of the costs.
Overall, a superbill is an important tool in the medical billing process, as it helps to ensure that medical providers are fairly compensated for the out-of-network services they provide and that patients receive the coverage they are entitled to under their insurance policies.
How To Submit A Superbill To Your Insurance
Review the superbill: Make sure all of the information on the superbill is accurate and complete, including the date of service, the provider’s name and information, the diagnosis code, and the procedure codes.
Gather any additional documentation: Depending on the insurance company’s requirements, you may need to submit additional documentation along with the superbill. This could include receipts, medical records, or other supporting documentation.
Contact the insurance company: Call the insurance company and ask for the proper procedure for submitting a claim for reimbursement. Some insurance companies may require you to submit the superbill and any supporting documentation online, while others may require you to mail it in.
Submit the superbill and any supporting documentation: Follow the instructions provided by the insurance company to submit the superbill and any additional documentation.
Wait for a response: The insurance company will review the claim and determine the amount of coverage that is available for the services that were provided. Once a decision has been made, the insurance company will send a payment to the member for the approved amount. If the claim is denied, the insurance company will provide a reason for the denial and may offer the opportunity to appeal the decision.
When You Should Ask For A Superbill
There are several situations in which you may want to ask for a superbill:
If you have out-of-network benefits: If your insurance policy includes out-of-network benefits, you may be able to use a superbill to request reimbursement for medical services that were provided by a provider who is not in your insurance network.
If you are paying out-of-pocket: If you are paying for medical services out-of-pocket, you may be able to use a superbill to request reimbursement from your insurance company if the services are covered under your policy.
It’s a good idea to ask for a superbill as soon as possible after receiving medical services, as some insurance companies have deadlines for submitting claims. If you wait too long, you may not be able to request reimbursement. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of the superbill for your own records.
What Does A Superbill Look Like?
Below is an example superbill that’s generated by Simple Practice. It contains all pertinent information for the insurance carrier’s review.
Is A Superbill Valid If You Don't Have Out-of-Network Benefits?
If you do not have out-of-network benefits, then your insurance company may not cover the services listed on the superbill. Out-of-network benefits are insurance benefits that cover healthcare services received from providers who are not part of the patient’s insurance network. If you do not have out-of-network benefits, you will likely have to pay for the services listed on the superbill out of pocket, unless the provider is willing to bill your insurance company as an in-network provider.
It’s important to understand your insurance coverage and what services are covered before receiving healthcare services. If you have any questions about your coverage or what services are covered, you should contact your insurance company or your employer’s human resources department for more information.
What CPT Codes Do I Need For My Insurance Company?
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are codes used by healthcare providers to describe the services they have provided to patients. They are used for a variety of purposes, including billing insurance companies and tracking healthcare services.
There are many different CPT codes that may be used to describe psychological testing services. Some common CPT codes that may be used for psychological testing include:
- 90791 Psychiatric diagnostic interview
- 96130 Psychological testing 1st hour
- 96131 Add-on: Psychological testing each additional hour after 1st hour
- 96132 Neuropsychological testing 1st hour
- 96133 Add-on: Neuropsychological testing each additional hour after first
- 96136 Psychological testing scoring 1st 30 minutes
- 96137 Add-on: Psychological testing scoring each additional 30 minutes after the 1st 30 minutes
- 96138 Psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring by technician, two or more tests, any method; first 30 minutes.
- 96139 Add-on: Psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring by technician, two or more tests, any method; each additional 30 minutes.
- 90837 Individual psychotherapy, 60 minutes (53+)
These are just a few examples of CPT codes that may be used for psychological testing. It’s important to note that the specific CPT codes used may vary depending on the type of testing being performed and the specific services being provided. If you have any questions about the CPT codes being used for psychological testing, you should ask your healthcare provider or the person administering the testing.
The Takeaway On Superbills
In conclusion, a superbill is a valuable tool for healthcare providers to accurately and efficiently document and bill for the services they provide to patients. It includes all the necessary information that insurance companies need to process a claim, such as CPT codes for the services provided and the charges for those services.
You can use the superbill to seek reimbursement for healthcare costs from your insurance company. By understanding how to use and read a superbill, patients can better manage their healthcare expenses and ensure that they are receiving the coverage they are entitled to.
